Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman has turned down interest from Premier League giants Arsenal, insisting his heart is set on a move to Serie A powerhouse Inter Milan — a stance that has triggered a bitter standoff with his current club, Atalanta.
The 27-year-old winger, fresh from helping Atalanta win the 2024 UEFA Europa League, is reportedly furious after the Bergamo side rejected two offers from Inter, both falling short of the club’s €50 million valuation. Lookman has since failed to report for pre-season training, sparking tensions within the camp.
According to Corriere dello Sport via FCInterNews, Inter have had a full agreement with Lookman “for some time” and have made him a top transfer priority. Head coach Cristian Chivu is even prepared to adjust his formation to accommodate the Nigerian international, while the club avoids pursuing other attacking targets to keep him committed to the move.
Atalanta, however, are digging in, entertaining offers from clubs outside Italy — an option Lookman is not considering at the moment. In a dramatic twist, the player has reportedly left Italy without permission, embarking on an unauthorised vacation in protest.
The club’s owners, the Percassi family, are now weighing legal action, which could lead to a hefty fine, as Lookman has refused all communication since his departure. For now, the impasse leaves one of Nigeria’s brightest footballing talents in a high-stakes transfer tug-of-war that is gripping both Serie A and the Nigerian football community.
