The stalemate in Milan as Inter pursuit towards Ademola Lookman hits critical impasse. The summer transfer window’s most gripping Italian saga has reached a tense deadlock. Inter Milan’s determined pursuit of Ademola Lookman, Atalanta’s electrifying forward and reigning African Player of the Year, has frozen in a high-stakes game of financial brinkmanship. With the player himself AWOL in London and both clubs refusing to blink, a transfer that once seemed inevitable now teeters on collapse.
The Bidding War: €45m vs. €50m
Inter pursuit for Lookman intensified throughout July, culminating in two formal offers. Their latest bid, confirmed at €45 million including performance-related add-ons, was summarily rejected by Atalanta management, who remain unmoved in their demand for a flat €50 million fee. Sources close to the negotiations reveal a fundamental disconnect: Inter believe their valuation fairly reflects the market and the player’s contract status, while Atalanta perceive Lookman – their Europa League final hat-trick hero – as indispensable to their ambitions, particularly given his role in securing Champions League qualification.
Sky Sport Italia reports unequivocally that Inter have no intention of improving their offer. Sporting CEO Giuseppe Marotta, known for his fiscal discipline, has drawn a line in the sand. Internally, Inter acknowledge Lookman’s talent but deem exceeding €45m as economically irresponsible, especially with Financial Fair Play constraints looming.
Lookman’s Rebellion: Training Strikes and London Limbo
Frustration has boiled over on the player’s side. Believing he had a gentleman’s agreement with Atalanta allowing a move this summer, Lookman took the drastic step of refusing to report for pre-season training in early August. His public statement accused La Dea of reneging on promises and treating him “poorly as a person and professional”. This scorched-earth tactic backfired. Rather than cowing Atalanta, it hardened their resolve. CEO Luca Percassi clarified that while a sale was possible, it was only envisaged for a “top club outside of Italy” – a direct rebuke to selling to their Serie A rivals Inter.
Inter’s Contingency: Nusa Emerges as Viable Alternative
Recognizing the stalemate might be irreversible, Inter’s sporting director Piero Ausilio has accelerated plans B. RB Leipzig’s Norwegian winger Antonio Nusa has been identified as the primary alternative. The 20-year-old offers a different profile – younger, potentially higher resale value, and less immediate wage burden – but carries his own complications. Leipzig’s asking price could prove prohibitive, potentially requiring Inter to stretch financially close to the €45m earmarked for Lookman. Other names, including AS Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, have also been scouted but deemed too expensive at this stage.
The Stakes: More Than Just a Transfer Fee
Under Cristian Chivu in Inter’s 3-4-2-1 formation, Lookman was the perfect piece. His ability to play across the front line, blistering speed, proven Serie A goal threat (39 goals in 93 league appearances for Atalanta), and big-game attitude – exemplified in his brilliant hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final – all made him a key player to acquire. Losing him means rethinking several weeks worth of the tactical plan before the important phase of the season.
For Atalanta, retaining Lookman signals ambition but risks a toxic dressing room atmosphere. A player of his caliber, disgruntled and exiled, is a major disruption. Yet, capitulating to Inter sets a dangerous precedent and weakens their position against domestic rivals.
The Endgame: Breakthrough or Breakdown?
With the window ticking towards its close, pressure mounts on all sides. Inter maintain a sliver of hope. Atalanta might soften their stance as the deadline nears, especially given the player’s untenable situation. Lookman’s camp prays for a last-minute compromise. However, Atalanta’s history suggests obstinacy. If no breakthrough occurs by next week, Inter will pivot decisively to Nusa or another forward, leaving Lookman facing an uncertain future – potentially a season in the wilderness at Atalanta or a rushed move elsewhere.
This saga transcends a simple player transfer. It’s a battle of wills between two ambitious Italian giants, a test of player power versus club control, and a high-risk gamble by a star who bet big on forcing his dream move. Whether Lookman dons the famous Nerazzurri stripes or becomes Serie A’s most expensive benchwarmer remains the window’s most captivating cliffhanger. The coming days promise high drama in Milan, Bergamo, and London.
