ATALANTA: Forward Ademola Lookman said on Sunday he had put in a formal transfer request at Atalanta after facing poor treatment at the Italian club.

England-born Nigeria international Lookman was Atalanta`s secondhighest scorer in Serie A last season, netting 15 goals. Italian media reports have linked the former Everton, Fulham and Leicester City player with a move to Inter Milan.

Atalanta did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment.

Lookman, who joined Atalanta in 2022 on a fouryear contract, wrote in a letter shared on social media that he had agreed with the club ownership that he would be allowed to move if there was a fair offer.

`Despite now receiving an offer in alignment to what I believe had been discussed sadly the club are blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand,` he wrote.

`After many months of broken promises and what Ifeelhasbeen poor treatment towards me as both a human being and as a professional footballer, sadly I feel I have no choice but to speak out... I can confirm I have now handed in a formal tr ansfer request.

The 27-year-old said in February that he had `dealt with many difficult moments` at Atalanta after former coach Gian Piero Gasperini called him `one of the worst penalty takers` he had ever seen over a missed spotkick during a loss that eliminated them from the Champions League.

Lookman said Gasperini`s comments were `deeply disrespectful` and hurtful. Gasperini later said he had not meant any offence to Lookman.

Atalanta, who finished third last season, begin their Serie A campaign at home against Pisa on August 24.-Reuters