- La Dea clear air on blocked Inter deal
Ademola Lookman’s future at Atalanta is now uncertain after the Nigeria international striker failed to report for pre-season training on Monday. This comes amid growing tension over his proposed move to Inter Milan, which Atalanta have firmly rejected.
Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi reaffirmed the club’s stance during the unveiling of new goalkeeper Marco Sportiello, stating that, based on existing agreements, Lookman would not be allowed to join Inter or any other Serie A rival.
Over the weekend, Lookman voiced his frustration in a lengthy social media post, accusing Atalanta of “blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand” and of treating him unfairly “as a human being and as a professional footballer” after rejecting Inter’s €45 million bid, including bonuses.
But Percassi has reportedly gave an update on the on-going transfer saga which is coming on the heels of the long-drawn battle before Victor Osimhen completed his transfer from Napoli to Galatasaray just last week.
“It’s a good opportunity to clarify what happened,” Percassi told the media, via TMW as per Football Italia. “Last year, after a 20 million offer from PSG, the player had asked us to be sold.
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“Atalanta, being a credible club, had promised to sell the player this window based on two conditions that he himself had asked of us: First, to go to a super, top European club, and that he would never be seen in Italy wearing a shirt other than Atalanta’s, given what he did for the club and what he received from the club.
“Today, as you know, the situation is very different. The club is always careful when evaluating the value and timing of its players, but as always, it is Atalanta, the club that decides.”
But the 27-year-old Nigerian who is under contract until June 2027, is seemingly pissed with the situation as he reportedly failed to show up at Atalanta’s Zingonia training ground yesterday for pre-season commitments.
According to Football Italia, Lookman’s refusal to attend training will further bring matters to a head, as Inter hope they can convince Atalanta by increasing their proposal of €42m plus €3m in add-ons.
This gesture just makes it clear how aggressive the action taken by Lookman is becoming, and it remains to be seen how his club will respond.
