Report: Lookman turns down chances to leave Atalanta amidst transfer saga

Ademola Lookman’s transfer standoff with Atalanta is intensifying, with the Nigerian winger determined to join Inter Milan despite other offers on the table.

The summer window has turned into a high-stakes waiting game between the player, his current club, and his preferred destination.

The tension surrounding Ademola Lookman’s future has reached a boiling point. Training alone in Portugal, the winger is making a statement that he wants Inter Milan, and nothing else will do.

Despite several Premier League clubs making concrete approaches, Lookman has rejected the idea of returning to England.

His reasons go beyond simple preference; in his time at Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City, he never quite found the form or confidence he has enjoyed in Italy.

Atalanta reportedly assured him that he would be allowed to leave this summer, but the Bergamo-based club is refusing to strengthen a direct Serie A rival.

Inter, however, have been relentless, raising their bid to €45m plus bonuses, potentially touching €50m. Lookman’s camp remains steadfast, with the player willing to risk fines from Atalanta for not returning to training at their Zingonia base.

For many players, a move back to the Premier League from Serie A would be tempting since the wages are often higher, and the exposure is enormous.

But for Lookman, it is about career trajectory, not just financial gain. His spells in England lacked the consistency and recognition he has since achieved with Atalanta, where his performances have propelled him into one of the league’s most feared attackers.

Arsenal and other English clubs have shown interest, but his focus is locked on Inter’s project. The Nerazzurri have offered him a five-year deal starting at €4.5m per season, alongside the chance to play in an attacking lineup built to win both Serie A and the Champions League.

Inter’s top brass, Beppe Marotta and Piero Ausilio, are treading carefully, unwilling to be drawn into a bidding war with Atalanta while also considering backup options like Jadon Sancho. For Lookman, though, no Plan B exists and it is Inter or nothing, and he is prepared to wait as long as it takes.