Ademola Lookman vs Atlatanta transfer saga takes a messy turn

Ademola Lookman vs Atalanta: Transfer Drama Escalates as Lawsuit Looms

The ongoing transfer saga involving Nigerian forward and 2025 African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, has taken a dramatic twist, with reports suggesting that his club, Atalanta, may take legal action against him.

As football fans count down to the start of the 2025/26 club season across Europe’s top leagues — from the Premier League to Serie A and La Liga — player movements in the summer transfer window have dominated headlines. Among the most talked-about names is Lookman, whose possible exit from the former Europa League champions has now spiraled into a full-blown dispute.

Is Atalanta Really Taking Legal Action?
According to Football Italia, Atalanta are prepared to sue the Super Eagles star after he allegedly left Italy without permission and skipped multiple training sessions. His absence is reportedly in protest against the club’s refusal to accept Inter Milan’s latest bid for his services.

The 27-year-old winger is said to have embarked on an unapproved holiday shortly after the rejected offer, cutting off all communication with the club. Atalanta’s management, led by the influential Percassi family, is said to view his behaviour as “completely unacceptable,” with legal preparations already underway. This could result in a substantial fine should the case proceed.

“Following several missed training sessions, Lookman has opted to leave Italy for an extended summer break,” Football Italia reported. “The Percassi family are preparing legal measures that could lead to a hefty penalty, as the forward’s behaviour is deemed wholly inappropriate, regardless of his reasons.”

Will Lookman Leave This Summer?
While Atalanta have made it clear that a move to another Serie A club — including Inter Milan — is off the table, they have not ruled out selling the Nigerian forward to a club abroad.

Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport indicate that Atalanta have explored offers from Premier League sides, including Arsenal. The Gunners, who have shown interest in the past, reportedly did not follow up with a formal bid this summer. Liverpool, the reigning Premier League champions, were also linked to the former Everton and Fulham winger, but discussions failed to progress.

Meanwhile, Get Italian Football News (GIFN) claims that Lookman has been training privately to maintain his fitness as he pushes for a move away from Bergamo. His absence from Atalanta’s Zingonia training base has now reached six consecutive days, further fueling speculation that his time with the club may soon be over.

Source: notjustok.com