Inter`s management is prepared to offer over €45 million, potentially reaching €50 million including bonuses. The club`s top brass has opted to wait a little longer for him, setting a clear deadline.
As Viktor Navorski, portrayed by Tom Hanks, would say: `I wait.` Inter Milan plans to follow this mantra, allowing about ten more days, but no longer. Should the stalemate continue, they would then turn their attention to another target. This famous scene from “The Terminal” perfectly illustrates the strategy adopted by Inter directors Ausilio and Marotta in their attempt to “checkmate” Atalanta for Ademola Lookman, their top choice to complete the attacking trident.
The Strategy
Luca Percassi`s statements haven`t altered Inter`s plan one bit. The Nerazzurri are prepared to wait for a clear signal from Atalanta before making their next move, as they are fully committed to a renewed offer. Their strategy hinges on two key points: no ultimatum, but a firm ten-day deadline. This is the timeframe the club has set to secure their primary summer target. The forward`s recent actions have been resolute. First, he deleted photos of himself in an Atalanta shirt from social media, then he published a lengthy statement on Instagram, and most recently, he skipped training yesterday afternoon.
Meanwhile, an emblematic banner has been flying outside the Zingonia training ground for two days, reading: `Enough is enough. Unworthy agents and ungrateful players, respect the fans and those who valued you.` This message was directed squarely at the Nigerian, who has been a prolific scorer with 52 goals in three seasons at Gewiss Stadium. On social media, some fans have urged him to leave, while others have labeled him “ungrateful” and “unappreciative.” The supporters are displeased with the manner in which the striker chose to communicate his desire to depart from Bergamo.
A New Bid is Ready
Ademola has reaffirmed his decision: to turn his gaze westward and move to San Siro, joining Chivu`s squad, who is eager to form the “ThuLaLo” trident – Thuram, Lautaro, and Lookman. This formidable attacking trio would be complemented by Bonny, who immediately scored in his first test against the Under 23s, and Pio Esposito, fresh from a strong Club World Cup and 19 goals for La Spezia in Serie B.
In recent weeks, Lookman has turned down offers from both Napoli and Atlético Madrid. He remains committed to the agreement signed with Inter, which promises him €4.5 million net per year until 2030, a figure amortized by the Growth Decree. The Nigerian clearly desires to play for the Nerazzurri in Milan. Inter is aware of this and is ready to increase their offer once more. On July 17, they submitted an initial bid of €40 million to Atalanta, which was rejected. On July 29, following a league meeting between Inter president Beppe Marotta and Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi, the Bergamo club rejected a second proposal of €45 million, including bonuses. Now, Inter`s top management is poised to adjust their offer for a third time, and they intend to do so soon. There were no new contacts yesterday.
Ten Days
Inter will indeed raise their bid. This is now clear. They will go beyond €45 million including bonuses, nearing the €50 million mark, or somewhere around there. The club`s senior management has decided to wait for him for another ten days. This timeframe is significant considering their upcoming fixtures: before facing Torino at San Siro on August 25 for their league debut, the Nerazzurri will play three friendly matches against Monaco (August 8), Monza (August 12), and Olympiacos (August 16). The objective is to provide Chivu with a forward possessing Lookman`s characteristics before the start of the Serie A season.
Lookman remains the top priority, but if the situation doesn`t resolve, Inter would then shift their focus to another player. Christopher Nkunku, the Chelsea forward who scored 14 goals in 35 appearances last season, is still on Inter`s shortlist. The main hurdle with Nkunku is his transfer fee and salary: the Frenchman earns €6.5 million net per year and is under contract until 2029. Inter`s policy strictly emphasizes managing wage costs. The former Leipzig player`s salary is substantial, and an agreement would need to be reached with his agents and Chelsea. However, this won`t happen in the coming days. For now, Inter`s priority remains firmly with the Nigerian flag.
