Former Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has weighed in on the ongoing transfer saga between the club and star attacker Ademola Lookman.

Lookman submitted a transfer request after Atalanta rejected Inter Milan's offer worth €45 million, including add-ons, having already agreed personal terms with the player.

The Nigerian published a statement on his social media pages addressing the fans, after which Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi addressed the incident.

Percassi claimed that the agreement between Atalanta Lookman and the club was to allow him to leave if a fair offer arrives, but not to an Italian club, as they do not want to strengthen a direct rival.

The reigning African Footballer of the Year has failed to turn up for training since the start of this week as he attempts to force a move away from Bergamo.

Gasperini speaks about Lookman's ordeal

Former manager Gian Piero Gasperini has shared his thoughts about the ongoing transfer tussle between Atalanta and Lookman.

The current AS Roma boss admitted that the incident will taint the player’s legacy at the club and could be remembered for the ugly end more than his memories at the club.

“I am sorry to see the situation. We’ve had some great times together. Unfortunately, there’s always the risk of only remembering these players for how things ended,” he said as quoted by Sempre Inter.

“He’s had so many great moments, but now we’re just thinking about the last one. I feel sorry for the player and for the club. I just hope everything gets resolved for everyone involved.”

The winger has interest from other clubs outside Italy, but nothing has advanced at this stage. There will be a breakthrough before the window closes.

Lookman's stats under Gasperini

Lookman joined the Bergamo-based club from RB Leipzig in 2022 and quickly became a fan favourite at the Gewiss Stadium under Gasperini’s tutelage.

The Super Eagles star’s three seasons at Atalanta all came under Gasperini, with his best season coming in the 2023/24 season.

According to Transfermarkt, he played 118 matches under the Italian manager, almost three times he played under another manager. He scored 52 goals and provided 15 assists.

He scored a hat-trick in the 2023/24 UEFA Europa League final, to win Gasperini his first trophy and Atalanta their first trophy in 63 years.

Last season, he had a fallout with Gasperini after he missed a crucial penalty in the UEFA Champions League match against Club Brugge, after which it was decided that both player and the manager would leave the club.