Italian football club Atalanta has confirmed that it rejected a €20 million bid from French giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman last year.

According to the club’s CEO, Antonio Percassi, the decision was based on a prior gentleman’s agreement made with the player. Under the pact, Lookman would only be allowed to leave the club in 2025 — and only to a “super top club” outside Italy.

“We had a deal with Lookman,” Percassi explained. “We turned down PSG’s €20m offer last year and told him he could leave in 2025 — but not to an Italian rival.”

The issue has resurfaced after Lookman reportedly submitted a transfer request in a bid to force a move to Inter Milan this summer. But Atalanta appears unwilling to sell him to a Serie A rival, standing firm on the original agreement.

Percassi added, “Now the situation with Inter is different... and as always, the final decision rests with us.”

Lookman, who had a stellar 2024/25 season — including a hat-trick in the Europa League final — has attracted strong interest across Europe. However, it remains unclear whether Atalanta will shift its stance before the end of the summer transfer window.

Fans are now watching closely to see how the club and the player navigate this transfer standoff.