Atalanta claim Lookman is confused about ‘broken promise’ to allow him leave

Ademola Lookman’s tense standoff with Atalanta over a potential move to Inter Milan has taken another dramatic turn, with the club claiming he misunderstood an earlier agreement.

While Lookman insists he was promised a transfer this summer if a fair offer arrived, Atalanta argue that promise applied only to foreign clubs, not domestic rivals like Inter.

Lookman submitted a formal transfer request this week, expressing deep frustration over Atalanta’s refusal to sanction a €45 million move to Inter.

In a heartfelt statement, he accused the club of going back on its word and blocking his “new adventure” for reasons he cannot understand.

However, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Atalanta contend they had only agreed to a move abroad, referencing last summer when Lookman was linked with Paris Saint-Germain and sat out the UEFA Super Cup.

The club now insists that a transfer to a Serie A rival was never part of the verbal agreement and will only be considered if Inter meets their €50 million valuation. For Atalanta, the situation is about preserving squad strength, especially following key departures.

Lookman, who has been a key figure for Atalanta over the past three years, remains determined to force through a move to San Siro.

He expressed dismay at what he described as “broken promises” and “poor treatment,” adding that his loyalty in previous windows has not been repaid.

The situation has deteriorated further due to past internal tensions, including a public disagreement over penalty duties during a Champions League tie.

Now, with former coach Gian Piero Gasperini gone, Lookman is hoping for a breakthrough, although it appears Atalanta are not yet ready to concede.