Embattled Nigerian star Ademola Lookman isn’t only missing from Atalanta’s training for two days now, but has already cleared his belongings out of his locker at their training ground as he continues to push for a move to join Inter Milan.
The 27-year-old has submitted a formal transfer request in an attempt to force through a move to join Inter this transfer window after Atalanta turned down two bids from the Nerazzurri.
The Nigeria international posted a long statement on Instagram over the weekend explaining his decision to ask for a sale, pointing to “broken promises” from the Atalanta management, and poor treatment “as a human being and as a professional footballer.”
Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi has since confirmed that there is an informal agreement allowing Lookman to leave for an appropriate fee this summer, but not for teams within Serie A, which complicates proceedings with the Nerazzurri.
In protest, Lookman has failed to report for training for the last two days.
The Nigeria international was expected to report to Atalanta’s training ground for an individual session after his recent injury concerns.
However, the 27-year-old has decided to continue his protest, hoping that it will force a breakthrough in the deadlock between Atalanta and Inter.
Atalanta, naturally, will not take kindly to the situation, and Lookman’s tactics are only adding to an increasingly tense situation.
According to Sky Sport Italia, the reigning African Player of the Year has already had his personal belongings emptied from his locker at the club’s Zingonia training ground.
It remains to be seen what the next steps will be, but Sky describes the situation as a “total break-up” between the player and club.
