Ademola Lookman`s Disappearance and Inter`s Next Move
Ademola Lookman has missed two consecutive training sessions at Zingonia and is currently untraceable. Inter, through Sporting Director Piero Ausilio and CEO Beppe Marotta, is preparing a revised offer, increasing the fixed component by two million euros. However, they are awaiting a clear signal from Atalanta for an opening in negotiations.
The situation surrounding Ademola Lookman is increasingly tense: the player is distancing himself from Bergamo, openly expressing a desire to move to Milan. Inter maintains a steadfast position, ready to submit a third bid of €45 million (plus bonuses that could push the total to €50 million). Yet, before formalizing the offer, they are awaiting an official price indication from Atalanta. The Percassi family, Atalanta`s owners, appears reluctant to sell him to a major Italian club, especially following the recent sale of Retegui. Lookman’s “all-out war” is escalating, creating an unpredictable scenario.
The English Alternative Preference
While confident in eventually securing Lookman, Inter is prudently evaluating alternatives to avoid any surprises. Among the names considered, besides Chelsea`s Nkunku, Jadon Sancho is the preferred choice. The English winger, born in 2000 (three years younger than Lookman), has only one year remaining on his Manchester United contract and would cost approximately €25 million, significantly less than either Lookman or Nkunku. Crucially, Sancho’s salary would be manageable even without the tax benefits of the “Decreto Crescita,” which currently make Lookman more fiscally attractive in Italy.
Disciplinary Action Under Consideration
Ademola Lookman was once again absent from training at Zingonia yesterday, providing no communication or medical certificate to the club. Ivan Juric`s staff waited in vain. Atalanta is currently assessing potential disciplinary actions, with a fine being the most likely measure, as stipulated by the club`s internal regulations for unjustified absences or delays. While salary suspension is an option, the club is not inclined to pursue it automatically at this time, preferring a calm and logical approach to the ongoing situation. Even if Lookman misses a third consecutive session today, an automatic salary suspension would not be triggered. Atalanta`s strategy remains clear and contrasts with Lookman`s actions: managing the situation with composure day by day.
