Serie A outfit Atalanta have refuted claims made by Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, regarding a supposed agreement to let him leave this summer.
The club, based in Bergamo, clarified that they never committed to selling the ex-Leicester City man to another Italian team, but rather abroad if an appropriate offer surfaced.
Lookman handed in an official transfer request on Sunday following Atalanta’s rejection of an offer from league rivals Inter Milan.
He argued that the club had earlier assured him of a summer exit, provided a fitting proposal came in.
Atalanta’s Take on the Inter Milan Proposal
As per La Gazzetta dello Sport, Atalanta’s narrative differs from Lookman’s account. The club maintains that the agreement was to allow the winger to move overseas if a substantial and attractive offer was submitted.
This understanding reportedly took place when Lookman asked to be omitted from the UEFA Super Cup clash against Real Madrid due to interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
€50m Price Tag Set
While Atalanta had initially indicated willingness to negotiate with foreign suitors, they are now open to selling the Nigerian international, regardless of the buyer, if their valuation is met.
The club is said to be holding out for a €50 million offer, a step up from Inter’s current €42 million plus €3 million in bonuses proposal.