Inter Milan eye Ademola Lookman [Photo credit/IMAGO]
Ademola Lookman’s future is up in the air after Inter Milan gave up the pursuit of the Super Eagles forward due to Atalanta’s stubbornness, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nerazzurri were confident they’d be able to secure the services of the 2024 CAF Player of the Year from Atalanta, but La Dea declined all of Inter’s offers, leaving them no choice, as Lookman had already turned down the other options he had because he wanted a move to the San Siro.
Personal terms were never a problem for the 27-year-old, but the 2024 UEFA Europa League winners maintain they won’t sell Lookman to another Italian club.
Lookman was an integral part of Atalanta’s team that won the UEFA Europa League trophy in May 2024, and is adamant his time at the club has come to an end.
Inter could return for Lookman before the transfer window closes
Inter’s last offer was around €45m plus add-ons, but Atalanta are still holding out for over €50m, and this has caused Christian Chivu’s side to forgo transfer talks with the Bergamo side for Lookman.
The 2025 UEFA Champions League finalists are now considering cheaper options as they look to wrap up their business in this summer’s transfer window.
As per Sempre Inter, there could be a late twist in the Lookman- Inter story. Despite seeing two previous offers rejected by La Dea, Inter could try again toward the end of the transfer window.
The player remains keen on a move to San Siro, handing the Nerazzurri hope that they could convince Atalanta. However, any potential move would require Inter to make a sale in attack, as they currently cannot go beyond their €45m bid.
There’s hope for Lookman as the 20-time Italian Champions have offers from several clubs for Davide Frattesi. Should the 25-year-old leave Inter, only then can the Super Eagles star complete a summer move.
In the meantime, Lookman has returned to training with Atalanta after initially absconding in a bid to force a move.
Another cop-out for the RB Leipzig star would be to move abroad, which is Atalanta’s preference.
Adefolahan Guerreiro
Adefolahan is a multilingual journalist and writer at Soccernet Nigeria.
With a track record of involvement in College sports, Adefolahan is focused on crafting engaging football content and utilising his language skills and extensive sports knowledge to enhance content accessibility for a global audience.
He has interviewed Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.