'Kept only his Nigerian identity' – Italian pundit reacts to Lookman's transfer saga with Atalanta

Italian football pundit and Corriere dello Sport editor Ivan Zazzaroni has weighed in on Ademola Lookman’s transfer standoff with Atalanta, highlighting the Nigerian forward’s symbolic social media gesture amid interest from Inter Milan.

According to Zazzaroni, the 27-year-old winger has removed all references to Atalanta from his Instagram profile following the club’s decision to reject a €45 million offer from Inter.

"From the Instagram profile he immediately removed his own photo, the writing ‘player for Atalanta’ and all images that can be traced back to the Goddess,” he posted on Instagram.

"'Ade' Lookman has kept only his (also sporting) Nigerian identity. This is how he reacted, so bravely, to Percassi’s no to Inter."

Zazzaroni explained that Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta had initially interpreted Atalanta’s vague email response as a sign of Lookman’s high valuation.

"A few moments earlier Marotta had interpreted the Atalanta email as a kind of affirmation of the attacker’s incredibility.

"This is because Percassi had not yet told him a price to refer to. Only in a second half it was clear that Atalanta had simply rejected 45 million."

The €45 million bid—comprising €42 million upfront and €3 million in bonuses—was turned down without any counteroffer, leaving Inter uncertain about Atalanta’s true asking price.

A subsequent phone call between Marotta and Atalanta president Antonio Percassi reportedly ended without clarification, further fuelling the standoff.

Lookman, who will turn 28 in October, is believed to be keen on a move to Inter Milan and is reportedly invoking a verbal promise made last summer that he could leave for an offer in the region of €35–40 million.

Inter began talks at €40 million, raised their bid to €45 million, and are thought to be open to further negotiation—if Atalanta clearly communicates their valuation.

Zazzaroni suggested Atalanta’s reluctance may stem from fears of weakening their squad, particularly following the departures of coach Gian Piero Gasperini and forward Mateo Retegui.

He concluded there was no betrayal in the situation, only the inevitability of a breakup—now made public through Lookman’s online actions.

Wale Adejumo

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