Africa’s Best player Ademola Lookman has been left in limbo after Inter Milan ended their pursuit of the Nigerian forward.
The Serie A giants had agreed personal terms with the 27-year-old but failed to meet Atalanta’s €50m asking price, with their €45m bid rejected.
Lookman, who played a key role in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph in the 2023/2024 season, had handed in a transfer request and removed all references to the club from his social media.
Reports in Italy suggest he has not trained with the team for the new season
Ademola Lookman celebrates after scoring for Nigeria in Uyo at the Nations Cup qualifiers against Benin Republic (Image Credit: The Athletic Images)
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reports that Inter president Giuseppe Marotta will formally inform Lookman’s representatives that negotiations are over.
READ MORE:npfl-enyimba-release-22-players-as-arrears-and-bonuses-remain-unpaid
Inter had planned for the Nigerian to partner Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram, but are now looking at other targets, including Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku.
Lookman has missed consecutive training sessions, emptied his locker in the dressing room and skipped the team’s pre-season trip to Germany for a friendly against RB Leipzig.
Super Eagles Ademola Lookman won the Europa League with Atalanta. (Photo credit: Getty Images)
Atalanta, who still owe 15% of his rights to former club RB Leipzig, are reportedly considering suspending his wages.
Lookman remains under contract at Atalanta until 2026.
Since joining from RB Leipzig in 2022 after stuttering spells in the Premier League and Bundesliga, Lookman has flourished in Serie A, hitting double figures for league goals in each of his three seasons, 13 in his first, 11 in his second, and 15 in his third.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL
Unless a late offer arrives before the window closes, the Super Eagles star may be forced to continue at Atalanta despite his wish to move.
