Nigeria international Ademola Lookman will not be a part of the Atalanta squad to Germany, with a bid from Inter still being deliberated.
The 27-year-old has been the subject of major interest from the UEFA Champions League finalists, with La Dea knocking back an opening bid of €40 million last week.
A second bid, to the tune of €42 million (+ €3 million in add-ons), has gone in for Lookman, but Atalanta have yet to give an answer to Inter ahead of their trip to face the striker’s former club RB Leipzig as part of their preseason preparations.
Why has Lookman withdrawn from Atalanta preseason fixture?
Pending Atalanta’s feedback, it would have seemed logical for Lookman to remain in training, especially as he has so far maintained cordial relations with the Bergamo side, opting for professionalism even in the face of pressure from Inter.
The withdrawal of the reigning CAF Player of the Year from the Leipzig friendly is actually a continuation of that trend, unlikely as it may seem.
Lookman is currently still in the midst of recuperation for an injury to his calf muscle. However, while he is close to a return, he has only so far worked individually. As such, in concert with Atalanta, he has decided to excuse himself from the Germany trip.
While Inter continue to wait for a response to their bid, it is understood the Nerazzurri have would not necessarily be deterred by a refusal, and would in fact prepare a third bid should it be required.
