Inter Milan have set their price limit for Nigerian international Ademola Lookman, as they remain determined to secure the services of their number-one transfer target, while Napoli and Arsenal continue to circle the Atalanta forward.
The Nerazzurri have been attempting to pull off a move for the 27-year-old for several weeks but have not found a breakthrough in negotiations with La Dea, who remain reluctant to sell one of their star players to a direct league rival.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter has decided it is not prepared to exceed its current price limit for Lookman, which is understood to be €45m before bonuses and €50m including them.
The Serie A champions have already seen an offer of €45m including bonuses, turned down for the reigning African Player of the Year, which led to Lookman releasing a statement via social media accusing Atalanta of breaking promises and claiming he had been treated poorly as a person and professional.
The former Leicester City forward had claimed he had an agreement in place with Atalanta that would allow him to leave this summer should an appropriate offer come in. However, Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi has since clarified that whilst there is an agreement in place to let Lookman leave this summer, it is only for a ‘top’ club outside of Italy.
In frustration, Lookman has decided not to report for training with La Dea, and the situation currently remains locked in a stalemate. As things stand, there has been little contact between Inter and Atalanta, who are trying to show they are not particularly keen on negotiating with a competitor from the same league.
Meanwhile, La Gazzetta dello Sport adds that Napoli, who had originally expressed interest in signing Lookman as a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in January, are not completely out of the running and could be ready to pounce if Inter decide to back out of negotiations.
Arsenal have also shown interest in the Wandsworth-born forward, with the Gunners reportedly making an opportunistic £45m approach. However, according to Sportal, the big-money bid from Arsenal has been rebuffed by Lookman, who has no desire to return to the country of his birth and wants to remain in Italian football.
Arsenal were said to be willing to pay more than Atalanta are demanding, but Lookman is waiting on Inter to increase their bid. Personal terms between the player and Inter are reported to have already been agreed, meaning a deal could be completed quickly if the Milan-based club meet Atalanta’s valuation.
The 2024 UEFA Europa League champions continue to hold out for the full €50m they believe represents Lookman’s transfer value, as they prepare to take legal action against the Nigerian for leaving Italy without permission and refusing to attend training sessions.
