The transfer saga surrounding Ademola Lookman took a dramatic turn on Monday, August 4, 2025, as the Nigerian forward failed to report for training at Atalanta’s Zingonia base, intensifying speculation about his push to leave the Serie A club.
Softfootball understands that Lookman, 27, not only missed training but also skipped lunch with his teammates, a move understood as a clear protest against the club’s refusal to sanction his desired transfer.
The forward had earlier submitted a formal transfer request on Sunday, August 3, accusing Atalanta’s management of reneging on a prior agreement and treating him unfairly.
According to renowned transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Ademola Lookman is fully fixated on leaving the Bergamo-based side. In a post on his official X handle, Romano reported:
“Ademola Lookman didn’t show up for training today as he keeps insisting on plan to leave Atalanta. Atalanta mantain their position, no way to let him go for €42m plus €3m proposal rejected last week. No fresh bid from Inter so far”
The forward’s frustrations stem from Atalanta’s recent rejection of a €42 million plus €3 million add-ons bid from Inter Milan. Despite Lookman reportedly agreeing to personal terms with the Nerazzurri, Atalanta is holding out for a higher fee reportedly €60 million and remains unwilling to sell to a Serie A rival.
Adding another layer to the conflict, Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi is said to have confirmed a verbal agreement made in 2024, following a €20 million bid from Paris Saint-Germain.
At the time, the club assured Lookman he could leave in 2025 for a move abroad but not to another Italian club. Now, with Inter Milan offering a package closer to his market value, Lookman feels betrayed.
Tensions have also spilt onto social media. In the days leading up to Monday’s fallout, Lookman unfollowed Atalanta’s official Instagram account, deleted the club’s name from his bio, and wiped all images and posts related to his time with the club, including his profile picture in an Atalanta jersey.
For many fans, these digital signals were an early sign of his growing dissatisfaction, and Monday’s absence from team activities has confirmed just how strained the relationship has become.
As of now, Inter Milan has not submitted a fresh bid, and Atalanta continues to stand firm. However, with Lookman digging in his heels and publicly expressing his discontent, this standoff could escalate further unless a resolution is found soon.
The clock is ticking and with less than a month to the end of the transfer window, something has to give will it be Ademola Lookman or Atalanta?.
