Milan, Italy – Inter Milan and Atalanta have officially opened formal dialogue regarding the potential transfer of Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, marking a significant step in the ongoing saga. However, sources indicate a considerable disparity in the clubs’ valuations, with the Bergamo side reportedly favoring an overseas sale amid interest from Spanish giants Atlético Madrid.
According to Tori Express Sports, the initial contact between the two Serie A clubs represents a crucial development in what has, until recently, been a protracted “cold standoff” characterized by indirect messaging and a noticeable lack of official movement. La Gazzetta dello Sport further emphasizes the importance of this breakthrough, stating, “The contact must be recorded and is significant because it represents the first real conversation between the two club managements.”
While no agreement has yet been reached, the direct negotiations signal a shift in the transfer landscape for the highly-rated Nigerian international.
Inter Milan, who last week submitted an offer reportedly worth €40 million for the prolific attacker, utilized the recent meeting to explain the rationale behind their proposal. The Nerazzurri clarified that their offer was not “the result of an illogical assault,” but rather stemmed from prior discussions with Lookman’s representatives.
According to Inter’s stance, Lookman’s agents had allegedly confirmed that Atalanta had previously committed to releasing the player for a predetermined “defined fee,” providing a basis for Inter’s valuation.
The path to a deal remains complex, with Atalanta’s preference for a sale abroad and the persisting valuation difference posing the primary obstacles in securing Lookman’s future at the Giuseppe Meazza. The interest from Atlético Madrid further complicates matters, potentially giving Atalanta more leverage in their demands.
