Following a season that saw the Scudetto slip away in agonizing fashion, Inter Milan is reportedly shedding its previous financial inhibitions and preparing a significant bid in the transfer market. The target? Atalanta`s dynamic forward, Ademola Lookman. With an offer of €40 million on the table, sanctioned by the club`s owners Oaktree, Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta is poised to make a decisive move for the 27-year-old Nigerian.
The Tactical Imperative and Lookman`s Appeal
Inter`s renewed ambition isn`t merely about splashing cash; it`s a calculated tactical shift. The club seeks a forward with distinct characteristics, a versatile attacking midfielder or winger who possesses both pace and exceptional dribbling ability. Lookman, with his proven flair and capacity to disrupt defenses, fits this profile perfectly. His skill set offers a fresh dimension to Inter`s attack, envisioned to complement the existing formidable duo of Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram, potentially operating just behind them in a fluid attacking setup.
Sources close to the negotiations suggest Lookman himself is eager for the move, having reportedly envisioned himself in an Inter jersey. A preliminary contract draft, outlining terms of approximately €4 million per year until 2030, is already believed to be in the hands of his agents, indicating a clear path for personal terms, should the clubs agree on a fee.
Atalanta`s Unflappable Stance: A Price Tag of Principle
However, the path to Milan is far from clear. Standing firm in Inter`s way is Atalanta, a club renowned for its rigorous and uncompromising approach to player sales. La Dea operates on a simple, ironclad policy: players are sold only on the club`s terms and to the highest bidder. Despite Lookman`s apparent desire to leave – a desire so strong that some reports suggest Atalanta is also keen to “remove the thorn” of his presence, having reportedly held him back last year – they are not inclined to offer discounts.
While no official offer has yet reached Bergamo, Atalanta`s theoretical asking price for Lookman is understood to be in the region of €50 million. This significant disparity between Inter`s prepared bid and Atalanta`s valuation sets the stage for a classic transfer market standoff. Adding another layer of intrigue, there`s a whisper of a supposed promise from Atalanta in 2024 to allow Lookman to leave for €40 million. However, Atalanta quickly dismisses this, stating only “rules of engagement” for a future sale, preferably abroad, were discussed.
The Shadow of Competition and Inter`s Bold Strategy
Inter`s pursuit is further complicated by rival interest. Atletico Madrid remains “very vigilant” on Lookman, waiting for a necessary sale in their attacking department, specifically working to move Samuel Lino. This creates a potential bidding war, which Inter`s CEO Marotta is reportedly keen to avoid, preferring a swift resolution at their stated €40 million ceiling.
Intriguingly, unlike previous transfer windows, Inter is reportedly prepared to push for Lookman`s acquisition even before offloading existing attacking players like Mehdi Taremi or Sebastiano Esposito. This signals a remarkable confidence and a decisive shift in strategy, underscored by Oaktree`s direct approval for the acceleration of this key transfer. It appears Inter is not just looking to fill a void but to make a statement, reinforcing their squad with top-tier talent regardless of immediate departures.
The Road Ahead: A Game of Nerves
The coming days promise to be critical. Lookman`s anticipated return to training in Zingonia will be keenly watched, especially given his past behavior of “sulking” during previous transfer talks, such as those with PSG. This indicates a player not one to shy away from making his intentions known, which could either expedite or complicate negotiations. What is certain is a discernible gap between the two Nerazzurri clubs` valuations, coupled with a palpable determination from both sides to achieve their respective objectives. The summer transfer window is heating up, and the saga of Ademola Lookman to Inter Milan is set to be one of its most compelling narratives.
