Ademola Lookman Blasts Atalanta and Skips Training in Bid to Force Inter Milan Move

The transfer drama between Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman and Italian Serie A club Atalanta has taken a dramatic twist as the reigning African Player of the Year failed to show up for training on Monday, intensifying speculations that he is willing to go to any length to secure a move to Inter Milan. The Nigerian forward, who has been a sensation in Italy and across Europe since his move to Atalanta, appears to have run out of patience with the club’s unwillingness to accept a transfer offer from the 2025 UEFA Champions League finalists.

Inter Milan, under the leadership of new manager Cristian Chivu, had tabled a substantial €45 million bid including bonuses for the services of the talented winger, but Atalanta remained firm, insisting they would not accept anything less than €50 million. Sources close to the club revealed that the proposal, which included €42 million upfront and €3 million in performance-related add-ons, was flatly rejected last week, leaving the player frustrated and infuriated with what he sees as a deliberate attempt to block his progress.

On Sunday evening, Lookman reportedly lashed out at Atalanta’s management in a closed-door meeting, accusing the club of stifling his career by refusing to let him leave. That frustration spilled over into the new week, as he was absent from Monday’s training session, a move widely seen as a protest against the club’s handling of the transfer saga. The absence was first reported by reputable football journalist Fabrizio Romano, who stated on X (formerly Twitter): “Ademola Lookman didn’t show up for training today as he keeps insisting on his plan to leave Atalanta. Atalanta maintains their position. No way to let him go for €42m plus €3m proposal rejected last week. No fresh bid from Inter so far.”

Lookman’s absence from training has raised eyebrows not just in Bergamo but across the Serie A landscape, as tensions build over the increasingly public standoff. While player strikes or training boycotts are not unheard of in the football world, this level of discontent coming from one of the league’s top performers signals the seriousness of Lookman’s desire to move on. Just days ago, the 27-year-old submitted an official transfer request to the club’s management, a document that outlined his commitment to joining Inter and his disappointment with Atalanta’s handling of negotiations.

Many see Inter Milan as the natural next step for Lookman after a stellar 2024–2025 season in which he helped Atalanta qualify for European competition, scoring 18 goals and providing 12 assists across all competitions. His performances earned him the African Player of the Year award and also saw him play a key role in Nigeria’s deep run in the Africa Cup of Nations. With his stock at an all-time high, Lookman has reportedly been eager to seize the opportunity to move to a bigger club with a more realistic chance of winning silverware and competing consistently in the Champions League.

Inter Milan’s interest in Lookman has been consistent throughout the summer window, with club insiders hinting that manager Cristian Chivu sees him as a vital piece in his attacking puzzle. The Romanian tactician, who guided Inter to the Champions League final earlier this year, has reportedly been in direct contact with Lookman and sees the Nigerian international as a key reinforcement to replace departing forward Marko Arnautović and support Lautaro Martínez in the final third.

Despite the tension, Atalanta has remained unmoved in their valuation of the player. Sources suggest the club believes Lookman’s market value has not peaked and that his contribution to the team remains too valuable to let go for anything less than their asking price. However, with the player now actively rebelling and the media spotlight growing hotter, pressure is mounting on Atalanta to reconsider their stance or risk turning the dressing room atmosphere toxic.

In Bergamo, reactions among Atalanta fans are mixed. While some sympathize with Lookman’s ambition to move to a bigger club, others feel betrayed by his actions, especially after he publicly celebrated signing a new deal with the club just last year. The absence from training and submission of a transfer request are now being seen by some as acts of disloyalty. Club legend Gianpaolo Bellini, speaking on a local radio show, said, “Ademola is a fantastic player, no doubt, but he must remember that professionalism counts in every situation. There are better ways to resolve issues than refusing to train.”

Meanwhile, the Nigerian football community is watching closely. Lookman has become one of the most celebrated Super Eagles players in Europe, and his potential move to Inter would elevate his profile significantly ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Fans on Nigerian social media have mostly rallied behind the player, using hashtags like #FreeLookman and #LetHimGo to pressure Atalanta into granting the transfer. Many believe that the opportunity to play for a club with Inter Milan’s pedigree is one that should not be denied any ambitious player.

As of Tuesday morning, there has been no fresh bid from Inter, but insiders believe another offer is imminent and could be structured to meet Atalanta’s €50 million valuation. With the transfer window still open, and Lookman doubling down on his desire to leave, all eyes are on the two clubs to see who blinks first.

For now, Ademola Lookman remains officially an Atalanta player. But with every missed training session and every headline grabbing quote, the writing on the wall grows clearer. One of Africa’s finest may be on the verge of one of the summer’s biggest transfers—and he’s not afraid to shake the table to make it happen.