Ademola Lookman: New bid lined up for CAF Player of the Year after Atalanta set conditions

Ademola Lookman is desperate to leave Atalanta, citing “broken promises” in a formal transfer request while addressing fans about his decision.

The 27-year-old Nigerian star has been the subject of two rejected bids from Inter Milan, both deemed too low by Atalanta, who value him at €50 million (£43m/$58m).

According to Gazzetta, Inter are preparing a new offer exceeding their previous €45 million bid, aiming to meet Atalanta’s demands. They have set a 10-day deadline to finalize the deal, hoping to offer manager Cristian Chivu the striker he desperately craves before Serie A kicks off in two weeks.

Lookman claims Atalanta failed to honor an agreement allowing him to leave, but CEO Luca Percassi countered that the deal was for a transfer to a non-Serie A club, not a rival like Inter.

“The pact with Lookman was made one year ago when we rejected €20 million from PSG,” Percassi explained, according to a post by Fabrizio Romano.

“We told him: we’ll let you leave in 2025 for a super top club and not in Italy. Now, the situation with Inter is different... and as always, it’s us deciding.”

The saga has sparked backlash from Atalanta fans, who displayed a banner outside the Zingonia training centre reading, “Enough is enough. Unworthy agents and ungrateful players, respect the fans and those who have supported you.”

Lookman, who scored 52 goals in three seasons and was pivotal in Atalanta’s 2024 Europa League triumph under Gian Piero Gasperini, remains determined to force his way out, and a new bid may get the deal over the line.