Transfer Clash: Atalanta drag Lookman to court

Serie A side, Atalanta, are set for a legal showdown with Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, after he left Italy without permission in protest against the club’s decision to block his dream move to Inter Milan.

Lookman, 27, reportedly went on an unauthorised holiday after Atalanta rejected Inter’s latest bid, a move the club’s owners, the Percassi family, have branded “totally unacceptable.”

According to Football Italia, Atalanta have prepared legal action that could see the Nigerian hit with a hefty fine, with the winger also accused of refusing to pick the club’s calls since leaving Italy.

“After missing training, Lookman decided to take an extra summer break,” the report said, adding that the stalemate has left both Atalanta and Inter waiting for the other to blink first, just weeks before the Serie A season kicks off.

The Super Eagles star is believed to be furious over what he sees as a broken promise, which is a verbal agreement that he could leave this summer if the right offer came in.

Inter have already agreed personal terms with Lookman a €4.5m-per-season deal running until 2030 but their €42m plus €3m add-ons bid fell short of Atalanta’s €50m price tag.

Reluctant to strengthen a Serie A rival, Atalanta are holding out for more, with Tottenham Hotspur now circling as they eye a replacement for departing skipper Son Heung-min.