Nigerian international Ademola Lookman has failed to report for training at Atalanta on Monday, escalating tensions after formally submitting a transfer request to the Serie A club.
The 27-year-old winger, who played a pivotal role in Atalanta's Europa League triumph last season, is reportedly frustrated after the club rejected Inter Milan's offer of €42 million plus €3 million in add-ons.
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Lookman's absence from training is a deliberate move to pressure Atalanta into reconsidering their stance. "Ademola Lookman didn't show up for training today as he keeps insisting on plan to leave Atalanta," Romano wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Romano further explained that "Atalanta maintain their position, no way to let him go for €42m plus €3m proposal rejected last week," adding that there has been "no fresh bid from Inter so far."
The situation is complicated by Atalanta's apparent reluctance to strengthen a direct Serie A rival. Sources close to the club indicate they would prefer to sell Lookman abroad rather than to Inter Milan, despite the player's apparent preference for remaining in Italy.
Lookman's stock has risen significantly since joining Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022. The Nigerian forward gained international acclaim after scoring a historic hat-trick in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final against hosts Ivory Coast, helping Nigeria secure the continental trophy.
His performances for Atalanta have been equally impressive, culminating in a standout display in last season's Europa League final where he scored a memorable goal against Bayer Leverkusen.
As the transfer saga continues to unfold, Nigerian football fans will be watching closely to see where their national team star ends up before the summer transfer window closes.
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