Atalanta CEO Confirms Ademola Lookman Wants Exit Amid Inter Milan Bid

Atalanta’s CEO says Ademola Lookman wants to leave, with Inter Milan trying hard to sign the Nigerian forward this summer.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi stated that Lookman wants to leave the club. Inter Milan offered €42 million plus €3 million in bonuses for Lookman after a €40 million bid was rejected. Atalanta demands £44 million ($53 million) for the transfer. Talks are ongoing, but Atalanta insists they will decide the timing and price. Lookman has agreed to personal terms with Inter, who hope to finish the deal soon.

LOOKMAN’S IMPACT AT ATALANTA AND INTER’S NEEDS

Lookman has been a consistent attacker for Atalanta. Last season, he scored 20 goals and had 7 assists, helping Atalanta finish third in Serie A. He also helped them win the Europa League title the previous year. Inter, who lost Marko Arnautovic and might also lose Mehdi Taremi, see Lookman as the right option for their attack. They have signed Luis Henrique, Ange-Yoan Bonny, and Petar Sucic to improve the team for the new season this summer.

WHAT NEXT FOR ATALANTA, INTER, AND LOOKMAN?

Both teams continue pre-season preparations as talks go on. Atalanta finished third in Serie A last season, securing Champions League football. Inter Milan, finishing 2nd in the Serie A, want to overtake Napoli and reclaim their league title. Atalanta’s first Serie A game is next month against Pisa, a newly-promoted team for the season. Inter Milan will face Torino, who finished mid-table last season. If Lookman’s transfer is completed, it could affect the attacking options of both teams as they aim for Italian and European success.