The Super Eagles forward has been one of the most talked-about footballer during this summer transfer window
Paolo Di Canio has launched a scathing attack on Ademola Lookman, accusing the Nigerian forward of showing a lack of professionalism in his bid to leave Atalanta, Soccernet.ng reports.
The former West Ham, Napoli, and Lazio forward says Lookman is ‘behaving badly’ by skipping training to force a move to Inter Milan, warning that such conduct tarnishes a player’s image no matter how talented they are.
Lookman, who netted 20 goals and provided seven assists in 40 appearances last season, has become the centre of one of Serie A’s most heated transfer battles.
Inter Milan have already had two bids worth around €45m rejected, with Atalanta refusing to lower their €50m asking price. Arsenal and Napoli are also monitoring developments, but Lookman’s focus appears firmly set on joining Inter.
Signed from RB Leipzig for €15m in 2022, Lookman has now handed in a transfer request and stopped attending team training sessions, instead working out on his own.
Lookman’s stance has drawn strong criticism from Di Canio, who has also questioned the player’s standing in English football.
Paolo Di Canio on Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman
“In the Premier League they don’t even really know who Lookman is,” Di Canio told Corriere Della Sera. “Asking €50 million for him is over the top. But Atalanta are just doing their job.
“The player, on the other hand, is behaving badly: you have to train with your team even if you want to leave. Show some integrity and be professional. The Percassi family have done very well so far not to give in to his show of force.”
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Atalanta’s reluctance to sell to a Serie A rival is at the heart of the dispute. While they would be open to negotiating with foreign clubs, the Bergamo side are unwilling to strengthen a direct competitor in the race for Champions League places. That position has left Inter struggling to bridge the gap between their offers and Atalanta’s valuation.
Lookman, meanwhile, feels hard done by, believing he should be allowed to leave after three outstanding seasons in Italy.
The Super Eagles star’s absence from training has escalated tensions, turning the situation into a chaotic standoff with less than three weeks left before the transfer window shuts.