Inter Milan`s summer transfer window has been a flurry of activity, with new alignments and tactical considerations taking center stage. Yet, for the Nerazzurri faithful and the club`s strategic architects, Giuseppe Marotta and Piero Ausilio, one pivotal piece of the puzzle remains tantalizingly out of reach: the acquisition of Ademola Lookman from Atalanta. The Nigerian forward is not merely a transfer target; he has evolved into what can only be described as a “sweet obsession” for Inter, a crucial component envisioned by coach Cristian Chivu to complete the team’s attacking prowess.
The narrative surrounding Lookman’s potential move is reminiscent of a high-stakes chess match, with each club making calculated moves. While Inter players are embracing the camaraderie of the new season, the ultimate embrace – that of Lookman joining the Milan ranks – hangs in the balance, contingent on a handshake between the two formidable Italian clubs.
The Pursuit Intensifies
The coming week is poised to be decisive. Sources close to the negotiations indicate that a new meeting between Inter and Atalanta officials is scheduled, beginning from Tuesday. This rendezvous is not merely a formality; it represents Inter`s firm intent to escalate their offer and, hopefully, secure the long-awaited `yes` from Atalanta, affectionately known as `La Dea`.
Inter`s initial bid, reportedly around €40 million in fixed fees, was met with a degree of resistance from Atalanta. The revised proposal aims to address this discrepancy directly. The fixed component of the offer is set to increase by a notable €2-3 million, with additional performance-based bonuses potentially pushing the total valuation even higher. Furthermore, the very structure of the deal is undergoing a significant transformation. The initial proposition of a loan with an obligatory purchase clause – a common tactic in modern football transfers, but one flatly rejected by Atalanta – will now give way to a straightforward, definitive sale. This adjustment is a clear signal of Inter`s commitment, bringing their offer closer to Atalanta`s steadfast demand of €50 million.
Will this revised approach be sufficient? That remains the million-dollar question – or, more accurately, the fifty-million-euro question. The ball, quite literally, will then be in Atalanta`s court.
Atalanta`s Firm Stance and Payment Flexibility
Atalanta, under the stewardship of the Percassi family, has consistently demonstrated an unwavering stance on the operational formula for this transfer. Their position is unequivocal: any deal must be a definitive sale. However, their rigidity on the sale type might, ironically, open avenues for discussion on payment terms. There is speculation that Atalanta could be amenable to a staggered payment plan, allowing Inter to spread the financial outlay over multiple fiscal years. This approach echoes Juventus`s successful acquisition of Teun Koopmeiners last year, an example that provides a practical blueprint for how such a high-value transfer might be structured in a fiscally responsible manner.
The Player`s Unwavering Commitment
While the Koopmeiners parallel might inform payment structures, the similarities between the two sagas largely end there. Inter`s management, particularly Director of Sport Piero Ausilio, has publicly emphasized that their strategy does not permit “infinite negotiations.” A swift resolution is paramount for the Nerazzurri`s summer planning. The upcoming face-to-face meeting is thus crucial for accelerating dialogue and reaching a timely consensus.
Inter holds a significant ace in their hand: a comprehensive agreement with Lookman himself. This “iron pact” was forged long before the current negotiation crescendo. A draft agreement is reportedly on the table, outlining a five-year contract with a net salary ranging from €4.5 million per season, potentially rising to €5 million. Lookman, for his part, has demonstrated remarkable loyalty to this nascent agreement. He has, with professional diplomacy, reportedly declined overtures from reigning Serie A champions Napoli and Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, reinforcing his singular desire to join Inter. While maintaining professionalism towards his current contract with Atalanta, Lookman has entrusted his agents with the task of advocating for his departure, provided Atalanta receives an “appropriate” offer.
The Decisive Week Ahead
The stage is set. The next seven days will determine whether this protracted transfer saga culminates in the highly anticipated “hugs and handshakes” of a successfully concluded deal, or if the intricacies of football finance and club valuations will defer Lookman`s Milan dream once more. For Inter, the strategic imperative is clear: secure their man and complete a summer of calculated, impactful squad enhancements.