Inter Milan make serious offer for Lookman as Atalanta stay firm

Inter Milan launch discussions with Atalanta over Lookman bid rejected; clubs remain at odds on valuation

Forty. No more. That is the official offer made today by Inter Milan to Atalanta for the signing of Ademola Lookman: the Nerazzurri’s offer is, as expected, €40 million (£34 million), lower than the €50 million (£43 million) requested by the Bergamo-based club.”

This is how La Gazzetta dello Sport via Fcinter1908 opens its report confirming the offer made by the Inter Milan management (from Viale della Liberazione) to their Atalanta counterparts for the Nigerian forward.

Here’s what has emerged today, according to the Rosea:

“The two parties remain far apart, but negotiations have officially begun with this first direct contact, which until this afternoon had not yet taken place. 

The two clubs have communicated through both their sporting directors — Piero Ausilio for Inter Milan and Tony D’Amico for Atalanta — and their respective presidents, Beppe Marotta and Antonio Percassi.

Lookman agrees personal terms with Inter Milan: five-year deal worth €4m (£3.4m) per year

The 27-year-old Nigerian forward, who officially trained today at Zingonia without forcing a conflict with his current club, is determined to take the highway from Bergamo to Milan. 

He has already agreed in principle to a five-year contract worth €4 million (£3.4 million) per season with Inter Milan, also benefiting from the ‘Decreto Crescita’ tax advantage. Most importantly, he has given his approval to the project led by Cristian Chivu.

The Romanian coach wants him as a starter in a dream attacking trio alongside Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram.

However, for that to happen, the gap between the two clubs must be narrowed. For now, both sides remain firm in their positions: Inter Milan have no intention of increasing their €40 million (£34 million) offer, while Atalanta are not willing to drop below €50 million (£43 million). 

Meanwhile, they are also in talks with Atletico Madrid, another European powerhouse who have shown serious interest in Lookman.