Atalanta BC forward Ademola Lookman has hit out at the former Europa League winners for "many months of broken promises" and confirmed that he has handed in a formal transfer request to the club.
The Nigeria international has blossomed into one of Serie A's deadliest attackers since joining La Dea in the summer of 2022, registering a terrific 52 goals and 25 assists in 118 matches across all competitions.
Lookman memorably scored an incredible hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2023-24 Europa League final, and he enjoyed his most productive campaign in front of goal last season with 20 strikes, including 15 in Serie A.
However, the London-born attacker is now in the last two years of his contract at the Gewiss Stadium and is pining for a move away, one that Atalanta are allegedly refusing to grant him despite firm interest from Inter Milan.
The Nerazzurri are understood to have had a first bid for Lookman rejected, although they are thought to retain an interest despite claims that they could move on to Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku.
Lookman slams "poor treatment" from Atalanta as transfer request confirmed
Lookman has now taken to social media to address the situation, revealing that he has formally requested a transfer away from Atalanta and alleging "poor treatment" from the club as both a "human being and professional footballer".
"I have loved every moment but feel that now, after three wonderful years in Bergamo, it is time to move on and experience a new adventure," Lookman said in a statement uploaded to Instagram.
"There have been numerous clubs approach Atalanta in the past and I have previously always stayed loyal. However, myself and the ownership of the club have been in agreement that now is the right time and the club were clear with me that if a fair offer came in they would allow me to move.
"Despite now receiving an offer in alignment to what I believe had been discussed sadly the club are blocking the opportunity for reasons I don't understand.
"As a result and after many months of broken promises and what I feel has been poor treatment towards me as both a human being and professional footballer, sadly I feel I have no choice but to speak out for what I believe is right and I feel enough is enough.
"I can confirm I have now handed in a formal transfer request. I hope to work with the club to find an amicable solution for all parties as soon as possible."
Could any Premier League clubs make a move for Lookman in transfer window?
Atalanta BC winger Ademola Lookman in February 2025.
A report from Gazzettaclaimed that Inter's first proposal for the 27-year-old came in at €45m (£39.3m), but Atalanta are holding out for a total package of €50m (£43.7m) to grant Lookman the exit he so desires.
The attacker's public statement may lead to Atalanta softening their stance, or potentially strengthen it, if the club feel that the player and his camp are trying to bully or persuade them to drop their asking price.
The onus may therefore be on Inter to stump up the full £43.7m, but it would not be a shock to see Premier League clubs such as Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur throw their hat into the ring; the latter are seeking a long-term successor to Son Heung-min following confirmation of his exit decision.
Barcelona are also rumoured to be interested in a deal for the Nigeria international, having been snubbed by Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams earlier this summer.
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