Oaktree approves the significant offer for the versatile forward, who is also eyed by Atletico Madrid.
Driven by a desire to overcome the disappointment of their recent season and reclaim the Scudetto, Inter Milan is now prepared to significantly invest. The club is ready to spend €40 million on a single forward, shedding past constraints regarding player age. Ademola Lookman, the 27-year-old Atalanta winger, has emerged as the primary target for the tactical shift envisioned by coach Chivu. Inter seeks a versatile attacker with strong dribbling skills, capable of operating in a trequartista role or on the wing – attributes perfectly aligned with Lookman`s capabilities and his clear desire to leave Bergamo.
The Scenario
The Nigerian international is at the top of Inter`s wishlist, and he reportedly sees himself already wearing the Nerazzurri shirt. Contractual terms with Lookman would likely not be an issue, with his agents already having a draft agreement for €4 million per year until 2030. However, the hurdle remains Atalanta, known for its strict transfer policy and reluctance to offer discounts. As of now, no official offer or even a formal phone call has been received from Milan. Atalanta`s theoretical asking price stands at €50 million, higher than Inter`s proposed sum. The Bergamo club`s corporate policy is well-known: they sell only on their terms and to the highest bidder, despite their willingness to part ways with Lookman, whom they reluctantly kept last year.
Inter is not the only club pursuing Lookman; Atletico Madrid also maintains a keen interest. Diego Simeone`s side is poised to make a move, pending a necessary offensive player sale, specifically looking to offload Samuel Lino, with Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton being potential destinations. In contrast, Inter`s initial strategy has shifted; they no longer require a pre-sale in attack and are determined to push for Lookman even before making space for him. Selling players like Taremi and Sebastiano Esposito can wait; the focus is on securing a significant signing to complement the Lautaro-Thuram (ThuLa) partnership. The green light for President Marotta and Sporting Director Ausilio to proceed with the deal has been granted by Oaktree, the club`s owners.
The Offer
Despite various rumors and misdirections, both sides – Inter and Lookman`s representatives – have been working discreetly on the deal for days. The next crucial step will be the official contact between the clubs, which is still pending. Inter`s forthcoming offer from Milan will be firm at €40 million, with Marotta keen to avoid bidding wars or prolonged negotiations, regardless of whether the Lookman operation succeeds. The new arrival is expected to play slightly behind Thuram, with Lautaro as the lone striker.
Lookman is determined to push for his departure from Atalanta and make his way to Milan. It will be interesting to see if he reports for training at Zingonia today, especially given his behavior last year when he stayed away for days while negotiating with PSG. His stance is reportedly bolstered by a supposed promise from Atalanta in 2024 for a €40 million release clause. However, Atalanta denies a specific promise but confirms that engagement rules for this summer were set: a sale is possible at the requested price, preferably to a foreign club. Clearly, there is a gap to bridge, but both Nerazzurri clubs are serious about this potential transfer.
