In a curious twist, former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has reportedly arrived in Italy to present Atalanta with a petition asking for African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman to get his desired transfer.

According to African Hub, Drogba is delivering the 50-page petition that was approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The petition demands a ‘fair and transparent’ transfer process.

It calls for “a fair and transparent transfer process” for Lookman, who is the reigning holder of the African Player of the Year Award.

“This move highlights the importance of accountability and justice in global football transfers, especially when it concerns African stars.”

It comes after the Nigerian national team’s social media account posted that they “stand with Ademola Lookman” in his battle to leave Atalanta for Inter.

Lookman is currently believed to be in Portugal, having taken some time in London, walking out on Atalanta training over a week ago.

He is furious with Atalanta for blocking his path to Inter, claiming the €45m including add-ons offer was sufficient to allow for a transfer.

Atalanta responded that they had promised to sell him last summer if the right proposal came in, but only to a club outside of Italy, to avoid reinforcing their direct competitors.

Meanwhile, 20-time Serie A Champions Inter Milan are set to place an improved offer for the Super Eagle.

Inter Milan have submitted three different bids for the 27-year-old attacker, but all of their offers fell on deaf ears as Atalanta declined all of them, maintaining they don’t want to sell Lookman to another Italian club.

According to BuchiLaba, Inter Milan are set to launch another offer around the range of what Atalanta are demanding for Lookman in the coming days, with the hopes of wrapping the deal up before the end of August.

The Super Eagles star has a contract at the Gewiss Stadium that runs until the summer of 2027, and Atalanta are asking for about €55m fee.