English Premier League
Rumour Mill: Lookman’s Atalanta exit drags on as Premier League giants circle
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye
The transfer saga surrounding Nigeria international Ademola Lookman shows no signs of slowing down, as fresh interest from the English Premier League keeps alive the possibility of an exit from Atalanta this summer.
The 27-year-old Nigerian forward returned to training in Bergamo this week but remains isolated from the first team after a turbulent standoff with the Serie A side.
Atalanta had previously rejected three separate bids from Inter Milan, standing firm on their €50 million valuation, despite Lookman having just one year left on his contract.
Inter were widely expected to improve their offer but have since withdrawn completely from negotiations, informing the player’s camp that talks were closed.
In protest, Lookman reportedly refused to train for two weeks — a move that prompted disciplinary sanctions from Atalanta and further deepened the rift between club and player.
The impasse has opened the door for a wave of suitors across Europe. Arsenal are said to be weighing up a formal approach, while Chelsea have identified Lookman as a contingency plan should their move for Alejandro Garnacho collapse.
Manchester City could also join the race if Brazilian prospect Savinho leaves, and Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring developments as uncertainty lingers around their wide options.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa have registered interest, and outside England, Atletico Madrid and Napoli have made tentative inquiries — though neither club has yet come close to Atalanta’s asking price.
For now, the situation remains tense, with Atalanta reluctant to lower their demands and Lookman eager for a new challenge. The coming weeks of the transfer window may prove decisive for the Super Eagles star’s future.
