Reigning African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, skipped Atalanta’s training on Monday, intensifying speculation over his future as he pushes for a move away from the Serie A club, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Nigerian forward has drawn strong interest from Champions League finalists Inter Milan, whose €45m bid (including bonuses) was rejected by Atalanta. The club has stood firm, refusing to sell Lookman to a direct league rival despite an earlier understanding with the player regarding a summer move.

Frustrated by the stalemate, Lookman was absent from training on Monday, a day after publicly criticizing Atalanta’s hierarchy and submitting an official transfer request.

“Ademola Lookman didn’t show up for training today as he keeps insisting on his plan to leave Atalanta,” transfer expert Fabrizio Romano posted. “Atalanta maintains their position. No way to let him go for €42m plus €3m proposal rejected last week. No fresh bid from Inter so far.”

Lookman later issued a statement on Instagram, explaining his decision to formally request a transfer, insisting “it is the right time to move on and experience a new adventure,” while accusing Atalanta of “blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand.”

Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi addressed the situation, confirming that while the club had promised Lookman an exit under specific conditions, those terms excluded moves to Serie A rivals.

“Last year, after PSG’s €20m offer, we agreed he could leave this summer under two conditions: first, only to a top European club, and second, never to another Italian team,” Percassi told reporters via TMW. “Today, things are different. The club will always decide based on value and timing.”

In a separate statement, Atalanta clarified that the so-called “gentleman’s agreement” Lookman cited stemmed from a brief approach by PSG last year and was never formalized.

As the standoff deepens, Inter Milan are yet to return with an improved offer, while Atalanta continue to hold out for their €50m valuation.