Ademola Lookman has found himself embroiled in a high-profile transfer dispute at Atalanta, with tensions rising between the player and the club’s management.
Ademola Lookman Poised for a Major Transfer to Atlético Madrid
The Nigerian international and Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, is reportedly on the brink of completing a high-stakes transfer to Atlético Madrid as the summer transfer window nears its close, according to Soccernet.ng.
Last season, Lookman delivered an impressive performance, netting 15 goals and assisting five times across 31 appearances. Despite beginning the current season with Atalanta, his future in Bergamo seems uncertain, with Atlético Madrid ready to offer him a lucrative five-year deal, as reported by Africafoot.
Interest from Europe’s Elite Clubs
Lookman, 27, has attracted attention from several top European clubs, including Arsenal, Barcelona, and Inter Milan. Arsenal’s interest intensified following an injury to Kai Havertz, while Inter Milan made a substantial bid of €42 million plus €3 million in bonuses. However, Atalanta rejected this offer, holding firm to their valuation.
Atalanta’s asking price reportedly stood at €50 million plus additional bonuses, a figure they insisted on even more strongly when negotiating with domestic rivals.
Atalanta’s Reluctance to Strengthen Serie A Rivals
The club’s refusal to sell Lookman to Inter Milan was widely interpreted as a strategic move to avoid bolstering a direct competitor within the Italian league. This stance has prolonged negotiations and intensified the transfer saga.
Despite external pressures, including a notable intervention by Didier Drogba-who reportedly submitted a detailed 50-page petition supported by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) questioning Atalanta’s approach-the club remained steadfast in their demands.
Atlético Madrid’s Late Entry Could End the Transfer Deadlock
With Atlético Madrid stepping into the negotiations late in the window, there is renewed optimism that the prolonged stalemate may soon conclude. Should the transfer materialize, Lookman will transition from Italy’s Serie A to Spain’s La Liga, marking a fresh chapter in his career.
This move would also bring an end to a turbulent summer marked by Atalanta’s reputation for rigorous and uncompromising transfer dealings.
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