Nigeria Super Eagles stars Ademola Lookman and Frank Onyeka. Copyright: IMAGOxAdeniyixMuyiwax

Ademola Lookman has been at the centre of a controversial transfer saga at Atalanta, with his relationship with the club’s hierarchy deteriorating….

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman is on the verge of sealing a sensational move to Atlético Madrid in the closing hours of the summer transfer window, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Lookman, who scored 15 goals and provided five assists in 31 matches last season, has been at the centre of one of the window’s most dramatic sagas.

Despite starting the new campaign with Atalanta, his time in Bergamo appears to be drawing to a close, with Atlético prepared to hand him a five-year contract, according to information from Africafoot.

The 27-year-old had been courted by several European giants, including Arsenal, Barcelona, and Inter Milan. Arsenal showed strong interest after Kai Havertz’s injury, while Inter pushed hard with an offer of €42m plus €3m in bonuses, only to be rebuffed.

Atalanta stood firm on their €50m plus add-ons valuation—a price they demanded even higher from Serie A rivals.

The refusal to sell to Inter was seen as part of the club’s determination not to strengthen a domestic competitor.

Despite interventions, including a reported 50-page petition from Didier Drogba backed by CAF challenging Atalanta’s handling of the affair, the Italian side refused to lower their demands.

However, with Atlético Madrid entering the fray late, the long-running impasse could finally be resolved.

If the move goes through, Lookman will swap Serie A for La Liga, and put an end to a turbulent summer that showed Atalanta’s reputation for tough negotiations.