Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has waded into the transfer row between Atalanta and Ademola Lookman, submitting a 50-page petition to the Italian club demanding fairness in the Nigerian star’s proposed move to Inter Milan.
According to African Hub, the petition, endorsed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), calls for “a fair and transparent transfer process” after Atalanta reportedly rejected two bids from Inter, including a €45 million offer in late July.
The Italian club is holding out for €50 million to €55 million, despite Lookman already agreeing to personal terms with the Nerazzurri.
The 27-year-old Super Eagles forward has refused to return to pre-season training in Bergamo and is currently believed to be in Portugal, having spent several days in London. Lookman is said to be furious at Atalanta for blocking the move, insisting Inter’s offer was fair value.
Drogba, Africa’s all-time great, delivered the petition in Italy, with African Hub posting 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 praised Drogba’s intervention as a matter that goes beyond football, stressing the importance of “accountability and justice in global football transfers, especially when it concerns African stars.”
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has also backed Lookman, posting on the Super Eagles’ official page that they “stand by Ademola Lookman” in his push to join Inter.
With the transfer window approaching its deadline, Lookman’s agents are set to return to Italy to try to break the deadlock, while Inter remain confident of landing their top attacking target.
