Nigeria international removes Atalanta identity from Instagram amid €45m bid rejection
Italian football pundit Ivan Zazzaroni has praised Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman for what he called a “brave” and calculated response to Atalanta’s handling of his highly anticipated move to Inter Milan.
Lookman, who has been instrumental for Atalanta since his arrival, is reportedly keen on a move to Italian giants Inter Milan this summer. However, his current club has so far stood firm, rejecting a €45 million offer from the Nerazzurri without presenting any counteroffer or stating their valuation. The situation has created tension between the parties, prompting a social media move from the Nigerian star that has drawn attention across Italy and beyond.
In what many interpreted as a protest, Lookman recently wiped his Instagram profile clean of any association with Atalanta. He removed his profile picture, the phrase “player for Atalanta,” and all photos connected to the club. This digital detachment from his current employers appears to be a calculated statement amid the ongoing transfer drama.
Zazzaroni, a well-known voice in Italian football and editor-in-chief of Corriere dello Sport, weighed in on the controversy through a post on Instagram, calling Lookman’s action both bold and symbolic.
“‘Ade’ Lookman has kept only his Nigerian identity, sporting and otherwise. This is how he reacted, so bravely, to Percassi’s ‘no’ to Inter,” Zazzaroni wrote, referring to Atalanta president Antonio Percassi.
Zazzaroni added that Inter’s chief executive officer, Giuseppe Marotta, sees Atalanta’s refusal to even negotiate as a strong indication of how highly they value the 26-year-old forward. However, the lack of transparency surrounding Atalanta’s real asking price has left Inter Milan frustrated.
According to Italian media, a direct phone conversation between Marotta and Percassi failed to produce clarity. No revised valuation was offered by Atalanta, nor was there any openness to continued discussions, further fuelling the deadlock.
Lookman has been a standout performer for Atalanta since joining from RB Leipzig in 2022. He scored 10 goals and provided 6 assists in Serie A last season, playing a key role in the club’s Europa League triumph. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with Inter identifying him as a key attacking reinforcement for new coach Simone Inzaghi.
The 2023/2024 season saw Lookman shine brightest in Atalanta’s historic UEFA Europa League campaign. He delivered a masterclass in the final against Bayer Leverkusen, scoring a memorable hat-trick to hand the Italian club their first European title in over six decades. That performance alone significantly boosted his market value and drew renewed interest from top European clubs, including AC Milan and clubs in the English Premier League.
Despite Lookman’s interest in the move and Inter’s willingness to make him one of their marquee signings this summer, Atalanta appear determined to hold on to their star winger. Some analysts suggest that Atalanta could be looking for a fee closer to €60 million, especially given Lookman’s pivotal role in their recent success and his remaining contract years.
Lookman’s reaction—stripping his social media of all Atalanta references—is part of a growing trend among modern footballers who use digital platforms to express discontent or signal transitions. It sends a clear message: he wants the move, and he’s willing to publicly distance himself from his current club to make it happen.
Meanwhile, the impasse is causing increasing tension within the Atalanta fanbase. While many supporters appreciate Lookman’s contribution to the club’s recent glory, others are divided on his latest social media move. Some see it as unprofessional, while others interpret it as a fair response to the club’s apparent reluctance to support his ambition.
At the same time, Inter Milan’s management continues to assess its options. If the Lookman deal remains stagnant, the Nerazzurri may turn their attention to other wide attackers on their radar, including Federico Chiesa of Juventus and Jonathan David of Lille.
Yet, for now, Lookman remains firmly in Inter’s sights, and his silence on the matter—aside from the bold social media move—suggests a player eager for resolution. With the summer transfer window progressing and preseason preparations underway, pressure is mounting on all sides to find a breakthrough.
Atalanta’s next steps will be crucial. If they fail to clarify their position soon, they risk alienating a key player heading into a demanding new season. Likewise, Inter Milan must decide whether to increase their offer or walk away from the negotiation table.
As one of Africa’s rising football stars, Lookman’s next destination will be watched closely by fans across Nigeria and Europe. Whether he dons the famous black and blue of Inter or remains at Atalanta, one thing is clear—Ademola Lookman is a player who knows what he wants and is not afraid to show it.
For now, the football world waits to see whether Atalanta will ease their stance or if Lookman’s bold stand will force their hand. Either way, his name is firmly at the center of one of this summer’s most compelling transfer sagas.
