Inter Pushes for Lookman Transfer as Atalanta Rejects €40M Offer

• Atalanta rejects Inter’s opening €40M offer for Ademola Lookman.
• Inter remains confident, Lookman already agreed to a €4M-per-year deal.
• Atalanta wants €50M and prefers a permanent transfer over a loan with obligation.
• Lookman picked up a minor calf issue during training.

Inter’s push for Ademola Lookman is gaining momentum, even after Atalanta rejected an initial €40 million bid. The Nerazzurri are determined to bring the Nigerian forward to Milan as a centerpiece of Cristian Chivu’s new-look squad.

Chivu’s Dream Signing

Inter see Lookman as a transformative player, someone capable of disrupting Serie A balance and propelling the club toward a title push under Chivu. Talks officially opened this week, with Inter CEO Beppe Marotta and sporting director Piero Ausilio speaking with Atalanta’s leadership.

Despite the rejection, Inter is optimistic. They’ve already secured a personal agreement with Lookman for a five-year deal worth €4 million per season, softened by the Decreto Crescita tax benefit.

Atalanta Holding Firm

Atalanta isn’t eager to let their star forward go on the cheap. While they haven’t named a specific price, insiders suggest the club wants at least €50 million. They’re also reluctant to accept Inter’s proposal of a loan with obligation to buy.

Atalanta would rather sell to a foreign club, with Atlético Madrid also in the race. However, Lookman is determined to join Inter, which could influence the outcome in Milan’s favor.

Calf Concern for Lookman

The situation got slightly more complicated when Lookman reported calf discomfort after training earlier this week. He missed physical tests at Zingonia and is undergoing scans to assess the injury. Early signs suggest it’s not serious, but it comes at a delicate moment.

Agents and Promises

Lookman’s agents argue that a verbal agreement was made in 2024 allowing him to leave for €40 million this summer. Atalanta disputes that version and insists there’s no discount or easy exit clause.

Despite the push from Atlético, Lookman has made it clear he wants Inter. He envisions himself in a dream trio alongside Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martínez, using Serie A as the perfect stage before heading to the Africa Cup of Nations.

Outlook

The transfer tug-of-war will likely continue in the coming days. Inter is not expected to raise its bid just yet, but further negotiation is expected. For now, all signs point to a potential blockbuster move, with Lookman pushing for a return to the top flight of Italian football.