Inter Milan Drop Interest in Ademola Lookman, Returns to Atalanta for Serie A Opener
- Italian giants Inter Milan have reportedly ended their pursuit of Ademola Lookman after two failed bids
- The reigning CAF Player of the Year has quietly returned to Atalanta and is forced to train alone, with an impending sanction
- The 2023/24 UEFA Europa League winner will face Pisa at the Gewiss Stadium on Sunday, August 24
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Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman was spotted at Atalanta following a failed move to Inter Milan.
The 20-time Serie A champions had been trying to secure the services of the 2023 AFCON silver medallist for over a month, tabling two bids in the process.
The Nerazzurri's opening offer was a package worth €40 million, which Atalanta swiftly rejected. The three-time UEFA Champions League winner returned with an improved proposal of €45 million, including add-ons, but was turned down.
Source: Getty Images
Ademola Lookman's ordeal with Atalanta
Nigeria international Ademola Lookman is back at Atalanta training at the Zingonia training ground after his forced move to Inter Milan failed.
According to The Nation, Lookman had gone on a two-week strike, signalling his strong desire to complete a move to San Siro this summer.
Unfortunately, the CEO of Atalanta, Luca Percassi, insisted that he would not sanction any move to a Serie A club.
Atalanta have remained firm in their stance as the Bergamo-based club views the forward as a key figure in their squad and has no intention of selling him, particularly this late in the transfer window.
Lookman to face sanction
Ademola Lookman is likely to be sanctioned by Atalanta's leadership after his failed move.
According to Calciomercato, the 27-year-old will be forced to apologise to the club after embarking on a two-week protest.
La Dea is prepared to use the Nigerian international as a scapegoat for others.
Meanwhile, Ademola Lookman is unhappy with the club for failing to fulfill their promise of releasing him after the end of last season, per Goal.
Arsenal have reportedly shown interest in the winger after Manchester United, Liverpool, and Tottenham failed to land the player in England during the transfer window.
Source: Getty Images
What led to Lookman's decision to leave Atalanta?
Former Atalanta coach Gia Piero Gasperini made a harsh remark, branding Ademola Lookman “one of the worst penalty takers."
The Italian coach remarked after Lookman missed a crucial penalty in Atalanta’s 3-1 defeat at home to the Belgian club during the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League.
Ever since, the Nigerian international decided to move away from the club with the support of the top management.
Lookman issued a statement expressing his deep disappointment at Gasperini as he claimed he was disrespected by the veteran Atalanta coach.
Lookman has scored 77 goals and made 118 appearances for Atalanta since joining in August 2022, per Transfermarkt.
Lookman unfollows Atalanta
Legit.ng earlier reported that Ademola Lookman has taken a dramatic step in his ongoing transfer saga, unfollowing Atalanta and removing all posts featuring the club from his Instagram account.
Lookman is reportedly angered at how the Italian club has handled his potential exit from the club amid interest from Inter Milan.
Source: Legit.ng
