Inter Milan`s transfer strategy for the upcoming season has become crystal clear: forget about defensive depth for a moment, the priority is unequivocally Ademola Lookman. The Atalanta forward has emerged as the prime target, with the Nerazzurri management deploying all their resources to secure his signature. This isn`t just another transfer; it`s a statement of intent.
Ademola Lookman celebrates a goal for Atalanta. Could Inter be his next destination?
The Pursuit of the “King of the Market”
Inter`s president, Beppe Marotta, and sporting director, Piero Ausilio, with the green light from ownership group Oaktree, are singularly focused on bringing the Nigerian international to San Siro. The objective is to finalize this crucial deal swiftly, avoiding a protracted saga that drags into the pre-season. Lookman is seen as the catalyst to inject goals and unpredictability into Cristian Chivu`s attacking lineup.
Upping the Ante: A Refined Offer
The next few days are critical. Inter executives are scheduled to meet their counterparts from Atalanta early next week, aiming to accelerate negotiations. Inter is poised to increase their initial offer of 40 million euros, which Atalanta had previously rejected, valuing Lookman closer to 50 million euros. The revised proposal from Milan`s Nerazzurri will initially add another 3 million euros to the fixed portion, bringing it to 43 million euros, excluding bonuses. The strategy involves heavily structuring the remaining part of the deal through performance-based add-ons, banking on the player`s clear desire to move.
Lookman`s Unwavering Commitment to Inter
Ademola Lookman`s preference is undeniable: he has chosen Inter. Reports indicate he is unwilling to consider alternative paths, having already agreed to personal terms with Inter on a five-year contract worth 4.5 million euros per season, potentially rising to 5 million euros in later years. His determination to join Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram in Inter`s attack is so strong that he has reportedly rejected more lucrative offers, including one from Napoli, and closed the door on significant foreign clubs like Atletico Madrid, despite a previous interest in a move abroad (specifically PSG) just a year ago.
It seems in modern football, a player`s will often serves as the most potent negotiation tool. When the `king` of your transfer market has made his choice, even the most formidable financial barriers can begin to look less imposing.
A Path to Closure: Sales and Structure
Should conventional diplomacy prove insufficient (Lookman, currently recovering from an injury at Atalanta`s training grounds, has maintained a cooperative stance), the possibility of the player actively pushing for the move cannot be entirely ruled out. However, neither party wishes to resort to such measures. The upcoming meeting between Inter and Atalanta, following their initial discussions to clarify positions, will be crucial in defining the deal`s framework. Atalanta insists on a permanent transfer, rendering Inter`s initial loan-with-obligation-to-buy proposal void. The most probable solution appears to be a definitive sale with payments spread across multiple fiscal years.
Strategic Financial Manoeuvring: Goodbye Leoni, Hello Lookman Funds
Inter`s commitment to Lookman has necessitated a clear strategic pivot. The immediate consequence? The pursuit of Parma`s young defender, Alessandro Leoni, has been paused. This marks a significant shift, allowing Inter to concentrate its substantial financial reserves on the primary target. For the highly-rated 2006-born Leoni, Parma was reportedly seeking around 30 million euros. By momentarily stepping back from this deal, Inter ensures a greater financial war chest for Lookman.
The club has already bolstered its funds through completed sales, with transfers like Stankovic and Buchanan injecting nearly 20 million euros into the coffers. Further sales, including Taremi, Sebastiano Esposito, and potentially Asllani (a more intricate situation among outgoing players), are expected to significantly increase the budget for reinvestment. While Leoni`s pursuit is on hold, it does not mean Inter has abandoned strengthening its defense entirely. The name of Genoa`s 23-year-old talent, Koni De Winter, who boasts 68 Serie A appearances, remains circled on Ausilio`s wish list for a potential move after the Lookman deal, suggesting a sequential rather than abandoned approach to defensive reinforcements.
Koni De Winter of Genoa is still on Inter`s radar for defensive reinforcements.
As the summer transfer window heats up, Inter`s determined pursuit of Ademola Lookman underscores a clear vision for their attacking future. It`s a calculated gamble, prioritizing an immediate offensive impact over a long-term defensive investment, all while navigating the intricate financial currents of the modern football market. The coming days will reveal whether this bold strategy pays off, bringing the coveted Nigerian forward to the heart of Milan.