Atalanta CEO reveals Inter target Lookman was promised a move abroad not to another Italian club

The summer transfer saga involving Ademola Lookman has taken a dramatic turn, with the reigning African Footballer of the Year publicly confirming his desire to leave Atalanta.

On Sunday, Lookman broke his silence on social media, revealing that he had formally requested a move away from the Bergamo-based club.

In his statement, the 27-year-old cited broken promises by Atalanta and voiced his disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded, particularly the backlash from fans who had previously supported him.

Inter Milan have been pursuing the Super Eagles star for several weeks, but a deal has not materialized. 

President of Inter Milan, Beppe Marotta confirmed that the club had tabled an offer and was in talks with Atalanta to finalise a deal.

However, negotiations hit a snag when Atalanta demanded €50 million, while Inter’s final bid amounted to €42 million plus €3 million in bonuses, a total of €45 million.

Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi revealed that Lookman submitted a transfer request last summer after a €20 million bid from Paris Saint-Germain, but the club agreed to consider a sale only under specific conditions.

Speaking at a press conference introducing new goalkeeper Marco Sportiello, Percassi said, according to Quotidiano Sportivo: "Last year, faced with a €20 million offer from PSG, the player asked to be sold, and Atalanta , being a credible club, promised to be able to sell the player in this transfer window based on two conditions that he himself had asked us: first of all, to reach a super-top European club, and one that would never have been seen in Italy wearing a shirt other than Atalanta , both for what he has done and for what he has received from the club.

"Today the situation you know is very different. In any case, the club is always careful to evaluate the times and the values of its players, but as always, it is Atalanta who decides."

Signed from RB Leipzig in August 2022, Lookman has 52 goals and 25 assists in 118 appearances for Atalanta.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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