Ademola Lookman, the 2024 CAF Player of the Year and star winger for Atalanta, has reportedly gone on strike, declaring he will no longer play for the Serie A club as he pushes for a transfer to Inter Milan.
The Nigerian international’s bold move comes as Inter prepares to submit a third bid for the 27-year-old forward, following the rejection of two previous offers, according to sources close to the transfer saga.
Lookman, who played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s 2024 Europa League triumph with a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen, is determined to join the reigning Serie A champions.
Sports journalist Buchi Laba reported on X that Lookman has made his stance clear, refusing to train or play for Atalanta until the transfer is finalized.
Inter’s latest bid is expected to approach Atalanta’s €55 million valuation, a significant increase from their earlier €45 million offer, which was deemed insufficient.
Atalanta, however, remains firm, with CEO Luca Percassi stating that an agreement made last year allowed Lookman to leave in 2025, but only to a non-Italian club, to avoid strengthening a direct rival like Inter.
“We control his destiny, not Inter Milan,” Percassi said, citing a pact to sell Lookman to a “super top club” outside Serie A.
Despite this, Lookman’s determination has intensified, with reports indicating he has cleared out his locker and left Italy, spending time in England and Portugal.
The situation has drawn significant attention, with African football legend Didier Drogba reportedly arriving in Italy to present a 50-page petition, approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), advocating for a “fair and transparent” transfer process for Lookman.
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