Ademola Lookman`s dynamic play has caught the eye of Europe`s elite.
In the high-stakes world of European football transfers, clarity often comes veiled in speculation. Yet, reports emerging from Milan paint a decidedly clear picture: Inter, reeling from a disappointing end to the previous season and perhaps eager to `re-stitch` a scudetto that slipped from their grasp, is making an aggressive push for Atalanta`s dynamic forward, Ademola Lookman. This isn`t merely a casual inquiry; it`s a determined pursuit, backed by a substantial €40 million offer approved by the club`s owners, Oaktree.
Inter`s Renewed Ambition and Tactical Imperative
For a club often perceived as fiscally prudent, this sudden willingness to unmoor the purse strings for a single player is, shall we say, noteworthy. At 27 years old, Lookman doesn`t precisely fit the typical `youth investment` profile, yet his unique characteristics are precisely what Inter`s tactical masterminds appear to covet. The vision calls for a forward distinct from those already within the squad – a player with pace, exceptional dribbling ability, and the versatility to operate effectively on the flanks or just behind a central striker. Lookman, with his `fickle Atalanta star` reputation and an apparent eagerness to depart Bergamo at almost any cost, aligns perfectly with these requirements.
Reports suggest that Lookman himself is already envisioning a future in the iconic black and blue of Inter. His agents are reportedly in continuous dialogue with Inter`s sporting directorate, with a draft agreement for an annual salary of €4 million until 2030 already on the table. This indicates a significant level of mutual interest and forward planning.
Atalanta`s Unyielding Stance: The Goddess Holds Firm
However, between Inter`s ambition and Lookman`s desire stands a formidable third entity: Atalanta. Renowned for their rigorous financial policies and unwavering negotiating stance, the Bergamo-based club is not known for offering discounts. To date, no official offer – not even a preliminary phone call from Milan – has reportedly reached their offices. Atalanta`s theoretical asking price for Lookman stands at a firm €50 million, a figure €10 million above Inter`s current valuation.
The `Dea` (Goddess), as Atalanta is affectionately known, operates with clear principles: players are sold only on the club`s terms and to the highest bidder, preferably to foreign clubs. This firm stance is maintained despite an underlying desire within Atalanta to manage Lookman`s situation, a player they seemingly had to “hold onto by the hair” last year.
The Shadow of Competition: Atletico Madrid Lurks
Adding another layer of intrigue to this developing transfer saga is the persistent interest from Atletico Madrid. Diego Simeone`s club remains highly vigilant, poised to make a move for Lookman once they can offload a forward of their own. Specifically, Atletico is reportedly working to place Samuel Lino, with Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton cited as potential destinations. This creates a delicate dance, where Inter must act decisively before their Spanish counterparts can clear the decks and enter the fray.
Intriguingly, unlike previous transfer windows, Inter`s strategy appears to have shifted. There`s no longer a prerequisite for a pre-emptive forward sale to fund Lookman`s acquisition. The club is reportedly determined to push for the Nigerian international regardless, aiming to integrate him alongside the likes of Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram. Clearing space for other forwards like Mehdi Taremi and Sebastiano Esposito can seemingly wait.
The Offer and the Obstacles Ahead
Despite the lack of official contact, the parties involved have reportedly been working discreetly on the deal for days. The next critical step will be the formal communication between the clubs and Inter`s official offer of €40 million. Inter`s management, led by President Marotta, is said to be unwilling to engage in prolonged bidding wars, aiming for a swift resolution. This €40 million figure is the allocated budget for a new attacking piece, regardless of whether it ultimately lands Lookman.
Lookman, for his part, is reportedly determined to push for a departure from Atalanta and accelerate his journey to Milan. His past conduct, particularly his perceived `sit-down strike` while negotiating with PSG a year prior, hints at a player not afraid to make his intentions clear. While there are whispers of a presumed promise from Atalanta in 2024 to allow a transfer for €40 million, Atalanta denies this, stating only that engagement rules for the summer were established: a sale is possible at the requested price, preferably abroad.
Ultimately, two things are certain in this unfolding narrative: a financial gap needs to be bridged, and both Nerazzurri clubs, approaching from opposite ends of the negotiation table, are operating with serious intent. The footballing world watches keenly to see if Inter`s audacious bid will indeed secure the services of Ademola Lookman, or if the `Goddess` will once again prove too shrewd a negotiator.
Gilbert Pendleton