Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman signals Atalanta exit amid Inter Milan interest

Ademola Lookman has sent a clear message about his desire to leave Atalanta, intensifying speculation over his future at the Serie A club following a rejected transfer bid from Inter Milan.

The Nigerian international has taken steps that strongly indicate a departure from Bergamo may be imminent. In a move often seen as a modern footballer’s statement of intent, the 27-year-old has erased all traces of Atalanta from his Instagram account, including removing his profile photo and unfollowing the club’s official page.

These digital actions follow a reported €45 million bid from Inter Milan, which was turned down by Atalanta. The club, known as “La Dea,” is said to be holding firm on their valuation, demanding €50 million for the player who has become one of their standout performers.

Lookman, who joined Atalanta in 2022, has been a key figure for the team over the past two seasons. With his direct style, creativity, and goal-scoring ability, he quickly established himself as a fan favourite.

However, despite being on the verge of a fourth season with the club, tensions appear to have surfaced as interest from top-tier rivals grows.

Inter Milan’s attempt to secure Lookman’s services marks a major move in the Italian transfer market, but Atalanta’s refusal to budge on their asking price has complicated negotiations.

While the Nerazzurri are reportedly keen to reinforce their attacking options with the Nigerian winger, they may need to return with an improved offer if they are to persuade Atalanta to sell.

Lookman’s actions off the pitch have only added fuel to the ongoing transfer saga. His social media purge is widely interpreted as a deliberate signal of his dissatisfaction, following the club’s decision to block his potential move. It also underscores the growing rift between the player and the club’s management.

This development marks a significant twist in the summer transfer window and places further pressure on Atalanta to either reach an agreement with Inter or risk unrest within their ranks.

Lookman’s departure, if confirmed, would be a major loss for manager Gian Piero Gasperini, who has built a competitive side around a dynamic and fluid attacking unit in which the Nigerian has played a crucial role.

The transfer saga involving Lookman, recently crowned African Footballer of the Year, is expected to evolve in the coming days, especially as the player appears determined to force an exit.

Whether Atalanta can be persuaded to lower their demands, or whether Inter will return with an improved bid, remains to be seen.

As things stand, the signs all point towards an imminent departure. Lookman has made his intentions unmistakably clear, and unless a resolution is found swiftly, the story promises to remain one of the most talked-about moves in Italian football this summer.

‼️‼️ Ademola Lookman ha tolto la foto profilo, ha smesso di seguire l’Atalanta e rimosso le foto in maglia della Dea su Instagram. pic.twitter.com/ARyhFV2fJx

— InterHub (@InterHubOff) August 1, 2025