Serie A side Atalanta are set to take legal action against Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman after he left Italy without permission and skipped training in protest over the club’s refusal to accept a transfer bid from Inter Milan.
The 27-year-old Super Eagles star reportedly embarked on an unauthorised holiday following Atalanta’s rejection of Inter’s latest offer. The club’s owners, the Percassi family, view his actions as “completely unacceptable” and are preparing legal proceedings that could result in a heavy fine, according to Football Italia.
“After missing several training sessions, Lookman decided to leave Italy for an extended summer vacation,” the report stated. “The Percassi family have initiated legal measures with a costly penalty in mind, regardless of his reasons.”
The standoff has created a transfer deadlock just weeks before the new Serie A season, with both Atalanta and Inter waiting for the other to take the next step. Lookman’s frustration stems from an alleged verbal agreement that he could leave this summer if a suitable offer arrived.
Inter have already agreed personal terms with the Nigerian reportedly a €4.5m net salary per season until 2030, but their latest bid of €42m plus €3m in bonuses falls short of Atalanta’s €50m valuation. The Bergamo-based club are also reluctant to sell to a direct league rival and hope other suitors will come forward.
Tottenham Hotspur have been linked as potential challengers for his signature, viewing Lookman as an alternative to Real Madrid’s Rodrygo while preparing for Son Heung-min’s possible departure.
Atalanta remain in a strong negotiating position, as Lookman has two years left on his contract and would be obliged to return if no deal is reached. The winger, who scored 20 goals in all competitions last season, has already submitted a transfer request and unfollowed the club on social media signs of his determination to leave Bergamo this summer.
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