Inter Milan restructure sales to make new Lookman bid

Atalanta rejected the initial offer for Lookman. Inter Milan now accelerate outgoing deals to return with an improved cash proposal

“Inter Milan are gathering funds to launch a fresh assault for Ademola Lookman,” writes il Giornale via Fcinter1908 in today’s edition, following Atalanta’s rejection of the club’s opening bid.

The initial €40 million (approx. £33.7 million) offer from Marotta and Ausilio for the Nigerian winger was not enough — and Atalanta also turned down the structure of the deal, which was a loan with obligation to buy.

Pio Esposito off the table, while Stankovic and Buchanan lead the exit list

“Atalanta pushed back,” the article explains. “They want at least €50 million (approx. £42.1 million) in cash. The only player they would’ve considered in exchange was Pio Esposito, but Chivu vetoed his inclusion.”

As a result, Inter Milan have stepped up their outgoing transfer efforts in order to reshape their offer and make it more appealing to the Bergamo-based club.

One of the first exits is expected to be Filip Stankovic to Club Brugge for €10 million (approx. £8.4 million), with Inter Milan retaining a buy-back clause valid for two seasons at €25 and €28 million (approx. £21 and £23.6 million).
Tajon Buchanan is also close to Sassuolo for €8 million (approx. £6.7 million) plus bonuses and a 10 percent resale clause.

“These funds,” writes il Giornale, “will help increase the next proposal for Lookman, who has already turned down interest from Saudi clubs and placed Atletico Madrid on hold — as he awaits Inter Milan, with whom he already has a five-year agreement worth €4 million (approx. £3.4 million) plus €1 million (approx. £840,000) in bonuses per season.”