Inter Milan likely to give up on Ademola Lookman €45m hunt

Inter Milan are likely to walk away from their pursuit of Ademola Lookman pursuit as they await Atalanta’s response to their initial offer this week.

Lookman has been linked with the 2025 UEFA Champions League finalist and the current CAF African Best Player is willing to pursue the move. Days after their initial offer was rejected, Inter lodged a new bid for Lookman worth €45 million (£39m/$42m), Calciomercato reports.

However, Inter CEO Beppe Marotta confirmed during a press conference that this week would be “crucial” in determining the winger’s future, warning that the Nerazzurri could walk away from the deal if no breakthrough is reached.

Atalanta are said to be asking for €50m (£42m/$54m).

Ademola Lookman has been linked with Inter Milan. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Marotta told reporters: “I won’t deny that Lookman is an important player. He’s a player we didn’t discover ourselves; I think he’s on the radar of every Italian and European sporting director. But today he’s an Atalanta player. I’ve spoken a few words with Luca Percassi, but it’s premature to say what will happen.

“This will be a crucial week for Lookman. We’re looking for a player who can bring unpredictability to Inter, and Lookman is one option, but not the only one. If we don’t reach a conclusion in the next few days, we’ll make a different choice.”

Inter will submit their new offer before the Lega Serie A assembly, hoping Atalanta honour Lookman’s desire to leave.

Lookman has become Inter’s top attacking target following a breakout season in Bergamo, and the club believes he offers the unpredictability needed in their frontline. It’s left to see if Atalanta will accept the offer on ground or Inter will have to look elsewhere.