Atalanta CEO Confirms Pact With Lookman Amid Inter Milan Transfer Saga

Atalanta’s CEO has revealed that an agreement was made with star forward Ademola Lookman in 2024, pledging to let him join a top foreign club in 2025, but not a rival within Serie A. This comes as Lookman pushes for a transfer to Inter Milan, intensifying tension within the club.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Last summer, Atalanta rejected a €20 million bid from Paris Saint-Germain for Lookman and negotiated a gentleman’s agreement with the striker. The club promised that, in return for staying one more year, Lookman could depart in 2025—but not to another Italian team. Now, Inter Milan have submitted multiple offers, including a package worth around €40 million plus €3 million in add-ons, all of which Atalanta have turned down as reported. Lookman has responded by formally requesting a transfer and expressing frustration about the club not honoring their perceived deal, escalating the standoff between player and management.

LOOKMAN’S IMPACT & THE SEASON SO FAR

Lookman was a key player for Atalanta last season, scoring 13 goals and providing 8 assists in 31 league appearances according to recent updates. Atalanta finished 3rd in Serie A, qualifying for the Champions League next season, and won the Europa League in the year before that, defeating Bayer Leverkusen in the final. As the new Serie A season approaches, Atalanta are aiming to build on their recent success, while Inter Milan—last season’s runners-up—push to enhance their attacking options ahead of a return to Champions League action.

WHAT NEXT FOR LOOKMAN AND ATALANTA?

The transfer saga is expected to continue in the coming weeks. Lookman’s representatives are urging Atalanta to accept Inter’s offer, arguing it matches the previously discussed fee. Atalanta’s leadership, however, remains firm: Lookman will only leave for a “super top club” outside Italy, as initially agreed. The team’s first match of the new season is against Pisa, while Inter will start against Torino, with both aiming to strengthen their positions at the top of Serie A. The situation remains delicate, and any change could reshape the squads—and aspirations—of both clubs significantly before the transfer window closes.