Ademola Lookman, the Nigerian forward currently playing for Atalanta, is on the cusp of a high-profile transfer to Inter Milan. The Serie A giants have intensified their pursuit of the sought-after winger, tabling a €40 million bid and reaching a personal agreement with the player. Lookman’s impressive 2024-25 season, culminating in 15 goals and a pivotal role in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph, has made him a prime target for Inter’s new manager, Christian Chivu. The Romanian tactician sees Lookman as a crucial element in his revamped attacking strategy, valuing his versatility and ability to play across the front line.
While Atalanta values Lookman at €50 million, Inter remain firm on their €40 million offer, confident that a prior agreement with Atalanta to facilitate Lookman’s departure this summer will be honored. The Nerazzurri’s determination to secure the Nigerian international is underscored by their willingness to proceed with the transfer regardless of any outgoing player sales. This signals Lookman’s importance in Inter’s plans for the upcoming season, where he is envisioned as a key component alongside Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram.
Inter’s pursuit of Lookman is driven by Christian Chivu’s desire to add tactical flexibility and attacking firepower to his squad. Lookman’s ability to operate effectively on both wings, as well as centrally as a second striker, provides Chivu with a range of options in his attacking deployments. This versatility is particularly appealing, offering the possibility of dynamic attacking combinations with Martinez and Thuram, and enabling Inter to adapt their offensive approach based on the opponent and game situation.
The potential transfer also highlights the growing stature of Ademola Lookman in European football. His performances for Atalanta have attracted attention from several top clubs, including Napoli and Arsenal. However, Inter Milan are currently leading the race for his signature, having secured the player’s approval for the move. This suggests that Lookman is drawn to the prospect of playing for the Champions League runners-up, competing at the highest level, and contributing to a team with ambitions of domestic and European success.
Inter’s pursuit of Lookman represents a strategic move to bolster their attacking ranks with a proven performer in his prime. The 27-year-old winger’s ability to create and score goals, combined with his tactical versatility, makes him an ideal fit for Chivu’s vision for the team. While the €10 million discrepancy between Inter’s offer and Atalanta’s valuation poses a potential hurdle, the player’s eagerness to join the Nerazzurri and the reported prior agreement between the clubs suggest that a deal is within reach.
The potential arrival of Ademola Lookman at the San Siro promises to inject further excitement into the Serie A landscape. His dynamic playing style and proven goal-scoring ability would add another dimension to Inter’s attack, potentially forming a formidable trio with Martinez and Thuram. The transfer saga is one to watch closely, as its successful conclusion could significantly impact the balance of power in Italian football and further elevate Lookman’s status as one of Africa’s most exciting talents. The deal hinges on the two clubs bridging the valuation gap, and the coming days will likely prove crucial in determining whether Lookman dons the Nerazzurri jersey next season.
