Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has formally handed in a transfer request to Serie A side Atalanta, expressing his frustration after the club turned down several offers from Italian giants Inter Milan.
The shocking development was first confirmed by renowned football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who posted the exclusive news on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday.
“EXCL: Ademola Lookman has now handed in a transfer request,” Romano posted. “The Nigerian forward has officially asked Atalanta to leave the club after Italian side Inter Milan had their opening bid rejected.”
The news has sent ripples through Italian football and sparked intense debate among pundits and fans alike, particularly given Lookman’s recent stellar form and the potential impact his departure could have on Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta squad.
Lookman Frustrated by Blocked Move
Sources close to the player have revealed that the 26-year-old Nigerian international is deeply disappointed with how negotiations have been handled, especially after Inter Milan tabled a formal bid believed to be in the region of €25 million.
Atalanta, however, reportedly value Lookman much higher and are reluctant to let one of their top performers leave, especially after his breakout 2024/25 season where he netted 17 goals and delivered 8 assists across all competitions.
Lookman is said to feel that the club is stalling his career progression, especially given the stature of Inter Milan, a club that regularly competes for the Serie A title and in the UEFA Champions League.
A Player in His Prime
Ademola Lookman has been one of Atalanta’s most consistent performers since joining the club from RB Leipzig in 2022. In his debut season, he quickly endeared himself to the Bergamo faithful with his pace, creativity, and ability to produce goals at critical moments.
In the 2023/24 season, Lookman cemented his reputation as a world-class winger, playing a pivotal role in Atalanta’s domestic and European campaigns. He also starred for Nigeria during the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scoring three crucial goals and helping the Super Eagles reach the final.
His performances caught the attention of several top clubs across Europe, but Inter Milan have been the most aggressive suitor so far, submitting at least two official bids in recent weeks.
However, Atalanta’s refusal to negotiate further appears to have pushed Lookman to the edge, prompting him to take the bold step of submitting a formal transfer request in a bid to force a move before the summer window closes.
Inter Milan Keen to Bolster Attack
For Inter Milan, the acquisition of Lookman is part of manager Simone Inzaghi’s broader plan to revamp his attacking options following the departure of Alexis Sánchez and ongoing uncertainty around the fitness of Marko Arnautović.
The club sees Lookman as an ideal fit for their dynamic 3-5-2 system, capable of playing either as a second striker or in a wide role. His experience in Serie A and proven track record make him a low-risk, high-reward signing for a side that continues to aim for domestic dominance and European success.
Sources indicate that Inter are ready to return with an improved offer, possibly rising to €30 million, in hopes that Atalanta will finally be convinced to sell.
Atalanta Remain Reluctant
Despite the transfer request, Atalanta have not made any public comment on the situation, but insiders at the club suggest they remain firmly against selling Lookman, particularly with the new Serie A campaign set to begin later this month.
Gasperini reportedly views the Nigerian forward as indispensable to his tactical plans and has urged the board to hold firm unless an “extraordinary” offer arrives.
Lookman’s transfer request, however, complicates matters. While players do have contracts — and Lookman’s current deal runs until 2027 — a formal request can add pressure on clubs to negotiate to avoid dressing room unrest and declining player morale.
National Team Implications
Back in Nigeria, Lookman’s potential transfer has become a major talking point, with Super Eagles fans divided between those who believe he deserves a move to a bigger club and others who fear that off-field distractions could affect his international form.
Nigeria head coach Finidi George has previously praised Lookman’s professionalism and explosive abilities on the pitch, noting his maturity during the last AFCON tournament.
“Ademola is a player of great character. Whether he’s in Italy, Germany, or England, he plays with the same fire and hunger,” Finidi said during a press conference earlier this year. “I believe wherever he goes, he will succeed.”
What Happens Next?
With the transfer window closing at the end of August, both Lookman and Inter Milan will be hoping that Atalanta soften their stance in the coming days. Football insiders believe that a third, improved offer could be the tipping point that forces Atalanta to enter serious negotiations.
For now, Ademola Lookman continues to train with the club but his future appears far from settled.
Whether he will remain in Bergamo or make the move to the San Siro could well depend on how much Inter Milan are willing to spend — and how much longer Atalanta can ignore the wishes of their star man.
Africa Live News will continue to monitor this developing story and bring you updates as they unfold.
