A former Premier League forward has reportedly made his stance clear with regards to potential return to the English top flight.
Atalanta star Ademola Lookman confirmed in a statement last week that he has handed in a transfer request, alleging he has been the victim of ‘poor treatment’ by the club, while accusing them of ‘months of broken promises’.
Lookman has been a key player for Atalanta since joining in 2022, with the forward reaching double figures for goals in the league in each of his three seasons at the club.
He has been strongly linked with a move to Inter Milan but there have been reports of Premier League interest with the likes of Arsenal keeping tabs on the player.
However, Lookman has no interest in a return to England as he insists on a transfer to Inter, according to Corriere dello Sport.
The Nigerian has has already agreed full personal terms with the Nerazzurri, who are not pursuing other attacking targets.
Inter manager Cristian Chivu has prioritised the signing of the former Leicester man and plans to change his formation in order to accommodate him.
Lookman has reportedly cleared his possessions out of Atalanta’s training ground and gone on strike as he bids to force a move to his team’s Serie A rivals.
His bombshell statement on Instagram read: ‘There have been numerous clubs approach Atalanta in the past and I have previously always stayed loyal,’ Lookman wrote.
‘However, myself and the ownership of the club have been in agreement that now is the right time and the club were clear with me that if a fair offer came in they would allow me to move.
‘Despite now receiving an offer in alignment to what I believe had been discussed sadly the club are blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand.
‘As a result and after many months of broken promises and what I feel has been poor treatment towards me as both a human being and as a professional footballer, sadly I feel I have no choice but to speak out for what I believe is right and I feel that enough is enough. I can confirm I have now handed in a formal transfer request.’
Lookman’s attempts to force a move come after Atalanta rejected a £39million offer from Inter Milan.
Atalanta chief executive Luca Percassi confirmed that Lookman will be allowed to leave this summer, but stressed he would not be able to join a Serie A rival.
Reports in Italy suggested Lookman and Atalanta could take legal action over the dispute.
Lookman, who is contracted until 2027, could reportedly be fined by the club if he fails to attend training for the third consecutive day.
In total, Lookman has scored 52 goals in 118 appearances for Atalanta, including netting 20 times in 40 matches last season.
Atalanta finished third last season, behind champions Napoli and Inter Milan, to secure Champions League qualification.
