African best player, Lookman accuses Atalanta of breaking promises

Nigeria winger Ademola Lookman says he has handed in a transfer request at Atalanta after accusing the club of "breaking promises" to him

The 27-year-old, a reported target for Serie A rivals Inter Milan, said he had reached an agreement with the club's board that he could leave if a "fair" offer arrived this summer.

However, the England-born winger says Atalanta have reneged on that promise after "receiving an offer in alignment to what I believe had been discussed".

"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 wrote on social media.

Lookman said Atalanta were "blocking the opportunity" of him leaving the club "for reasons I do not understand".

The Nigeria international joined Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022. He scored his first career hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final victory against Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin.

Lookman has scored 52 goals in 117 appearances for the Italian side.