Nigeria and Atalanta forward, Ademola Lookman has made it clear he is not interested in a return to England, despite reported interest from clubs including Arsenal. The Nigerian international is determined to join Inter Milan this summer, as tensions with his current club Atalanta escalate.
Lookman, who joined Atalanta in 2022, has been a standout performer, hitting double figures in league goals in each of his three seasons. He has already agreed personal terms with Inter, with manager Cristian Chivu reportedly prioritising his signing and planning a tactical adjustment to accommodate him.
The 26-year-old recently submitted a formal transfer request, accusing Atalanta of “months of broken promises” and “poor treatment,” despite an understanding that he would be allowed to leave if a fair offer arrived. His frustration follows the club’s rejection of a £39 million bid from Inter, which he believes met the agreed conditions for his departure.
In a statement posted on Instagram, Lookman wrote: “There have been numerous clubs approach Atalanta in the past and I have previously always stayed loyal. However, the ownership and I had agreed that now is the right time for me to move. Despite receiving an offer in line with what was discussed, the club is blocking the move for reasons I do not understand… I have no choice but to speak out. Enough is enough.”
Reports suggest Lookman has emptied his locker at Atalanta’s training ground and gone on strike, risking fines for missing training sessions. Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi has said the forward can leave this summer but will not be sold to a direct Serie A rival — a stance that clashes directly with Lookman’s preference for Inter.
The situation has grown so tense that legal action between the player and club has reportedly been considered.
Since joining Atalanta, Lookman has scored 52 goals in 118 appearances, including 20 goals in 40 matches last season, helping the club secure a third-place Serie A finish and a spot in the Champions League.
He remains under contract until 2027, but his future now appears locked in a standoff that could define the final weeks of the transfer window.
