Atalanta have rejected a €45 million bid from Inter Milan for Nigerian international forward Ademola Lookman, maintaining their €50 million valuation of the attacker.

According to sports journalist Fabrizio Romano and multiple reports, Atalanta turned down Inter’s offer of €42 million plus €3 million in add-ons, insisting on a fee of €50 million or more for the 26-year-old forward.

Verbal agreement between Lookman’s camp and the Nerazzurri has already been reached, and the player is keen on the move. However, the ongoing deadlock over the transfer fee has reportedly left Lookman frustrated. 

The forward has also removed all traces of Atalanta from his social media accounts, adding more buzz to the move for the attacker.

Despite Lookman’s impressive achievements, including a historic hat-trick in the Europa League final, a standout domestic season, and being named African Footballer of the Year. 

Lookman has faced a turbulent ride at Atalanta, including rifts between him and then-manager Gian Piero Gasperini, who branded him “one of the worst penalty-takers I’ve ever seen” after a missed penalty which was taken in the Champions League play-off second leg against Club Brugge. 

Lookman responded via social media, calling the remarks “deeply disrespectful” and emphasising the hard work and commitment he brought daily to the club and its fans.

Similarly, with serious speculation on the forward’s departure during the January transfer window, Atalanta made it clear that Ademola Lookman was not for sale. The club has turned down interest from Liverpool and PSG.

The Italian side is also believed to be factoring in a sell-on clause owed to RB Leipzig, which entitles the German side to a percentage of any future profit.

While Lookman remains under contract at Atalanta, the drawn-out negotiations have placed a strain on all parties. It currently remains uncertain whether Inter will return with an improved bid to meet the €50 million asking price.