By Andrew Haruna
Former Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has formally waded into the ongoing transfer dispute between Atalanta and Ademola Lookman, submitting a 50-page petition to the Italian club demanding a fair and transparent transfer process regarding the Nigerian star’s proposed move to Inter Milan, The Bureau News reports.
According to African Hub, the petition — which has reportedly been endorsed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) — calls on Atalanta to respect Lookman’s position and engage in “good-faith negotiations” after rejecting two separate bids from Inter Milan, including a €45 million offer in late July.
Atalanta are believed to be holding out for €50–55 million, even though Lookman has already agreed personal terms with Inter.
The 27-year-old Super Eagles forward has since refused to return to pre-season training in Bergamo and is currently believed to be in Portugal, after spending several days in London. Sources close to the player say he is angry with Atalanta’s refusal to accept what he views as a fair and realistic offer from the Serie A champions.
Drogba personally delivered the petition in Italy, with African Hub posting the following update on X:
“Didier Drogba has landed in Italy to submit a 50-page petition to Atalanta, approved by CAF, advocating for a fair and transparent transfer process for Africa’s top talent, Ademola Lookman, Africa’s Best Player of the Year.”
The post added that Drogba’s action should be seen as a call for greater accountability and fairness in global football transfers, especially when dealing with African players.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has also expressed its support for Lookman, stating via the Super Eagles official X page that it “stands by Ademola Lookman” in his efforts to secure a move to Inter.
With the transfer window approaching its deadline, Lookman’s representatives are expected to return to Italy in the coming days to re-open talks with Atalanta, while Inter remain confident of completing the deal.
For more Nigeria News Today transfer updates and football coverage, visit the Sports section of The Bureau News.
