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For months, Ademola Lookman—Atalanta’s attacking spark—has found himself at the heart of simmering transfer drama. The Nigerian forward recently submitted a formal transfer request, citing “broken promises” and what he deemed unfair treatment at Atalanta, adding that “enough is enough” .

Lookman’s frustration stems from what he describes as an agreement that a fair offer would be accepted, an offer that he says matched the previously discussed terms—and yet the club refused to budge.

Here’s a  profile of Ademola Lookman’s performance:

Who’s Linked? A Breakdown by Club

Inter Milan: Front-Runner But Stuck

• Inter is seen as Lookman’s preferred destination. The player and his camp reportedly already have a contract in place: five years, earning around €4.5 million per season.
• Inter’s most recent offer stands at €40 million plus approximately €5 million in add-ons. Atalanta insists this falls short of the €50 million minimum they expect (€50M native fee.
• Inter remains keen, but as Inter weighs alternatives like Mason Greenwood, the situation grows more complex.

Atlético Madrid: A Spanish Option Emerging

• Atlético are monitoring Lookman closely, especially if they offload Samuel Lino or Nahuel Molina. They may be willing to match or better Inter’s proposed €40–50 million fee and match the projected contract terms (€5M/year).
• Atalanta might prefer selling him abroad to avoid facing him in Serie A—making Atlético a more comfortable option from their perspective.
• Atlético’s financials are tight—having spent heavily already in the window, further sales may be needed before they can fully commit to a deal.

Other Clubs on the Radar

• Arsenal and Liverpool have been linked with Lookman previously. Arsenal’s interest appears to be reviving, although internal doubts remain over whether he has already peaked at 27; their valuation was reportedly around £50 million (~€60M).
• Manchester United appeared in earlier rumors (April 2025) but have since faded from the most immediate discussions—with newer targets taking priority.
• Napoli is listed with a 43 % probability in the Transfermarkt rumor index, but there’s little current evidence of active negotiations.

Transfermarkt’s Take

Transfermarkt places the likelihood of a move to Inter at 78 %, with Napoli next at 43 %, followed by Barcelona at 40 % as of the last updated index on August 3, 2025.

Why It Matters: Context on Lookman’s Form and Value

Lookman’s been Atalanta’s standout attacker. Over three seasons since his 2022 move:

• He’s amassed 52 goals and 25 assists in 118 appearances, including a Europa League hat-trick in 2024—a historic feat that made him the first African to net a treble in a European final.
• He was named African Footballer of the Year 2024 and finished 14th in the Ballon d’Or shortlist.
• In the 2024–25 Serie A campaign, he scored 15 league goals, along with additional goals in continental competition, reinforcing his value at around €50–60M

Table: Clubs and Key Terms

What Could Happen Next?

1. Inter raises bid closer to €50M—perhaps with guarantees to satisfy Atalanta.
2. Atlético clears space via outgoing transfers, pulling ahead in the race.
3. Lookman holds firm—if no acceptable deal emerges, he may remain at Atalanta into 2025‑26, unless relationships deteriorate further.
4. Alternative suitors emerge if Inter pivots to someone else, or if Barcelona/unexpected clubs re-enter the picture.

Lookman’s public statement shows he values transparency and respect as much as the financials. He’s seeking a fresh challenge—and the right pathways are still being negotiated. As things stand, Inter remains the top contender, but Atlético Madrid looks viable if they can make space.

Ultimately, Lookman’s transfer saga boils down to timing, trust, and the willingness to meet Atalanta’s €50 million threshold. We’re watching a few unfolding titles: “Inter Milan Drama,” “Atlético Dave Game,” and “What’s Arsenal Suggesting?” Lookman’s desire is clear—to move. Whether that destination ends up being in Italy or Spain, only final talks will seal it.