Ademola Lookman’s future remains uncertain amidst a tug-of-war between several European clubs. Napoli, the reigning Serie A champions, initially expressed interest in acquiring the Nigerian winger but have reportedly withdrawn their pursuit after failing to reach an agreement with Atalanta, Lookman’s current club. The negotiations stalled in June when Atalanta indicated their unwillingness to part with the player. While subsequent reports suggested Napoli offered a more lucrative contract than their rivals, Inter Milan, Lookman seems to have set his sights on a move to the San Siro.
Inter Milan, under the watchful eye of their manager, are keen to secure Lookman’s services, viewing him as a valuable addition to their attacking ranks. Although primarily a second striker who operates from the left flank, rather than a traditional winger, Lookman’s versatility and attacking prowess make him an attractive prospect for Inter. Napoli, on the other hand, are prioritizing a specialist winger in the transfer market, which may have further contributed to their decision to cease pursuing Lookman. This shift in Napoli’s strategy leaves Inter with a clear advantage in the race to sign the sought-after winger.
Lookman’s preference for Inter Milan appears firm. Despite reported interest from Atletico Madrid and the improved financial offer from Napoli, the player has consistently reiterated his desire to join Inter. He has reportedly already agreed personal terms with the Nerazzurri, involving a contract worth €4.5 million annually, with provisions for an increase to €5 million over the contract duration. The deal would reportedly bind him to the club until 2030.
The sticking point in the potential transfer remains the negotiation of the transfer fee between Inter and Atalanta. Atalanta is holding firm on their €50 million valuation of Lookman, a substantial figure that Inter are hoping to reduce. The inclusion of bonuses in the deal is expected to be a key factor in bridging the gap between the two clubs’ valuations. The outcome of these negotiations will ultimately determine whether Lookman’s wish to play for Inter is realized.
Adding another layer of complexity to the transfer saga is RB Leipzig, Lookman’s former club. They are entitled to a sell-on clause as part of the agreement that saw Lookman move to Atalanta in 2022 for €10.85 million. This clause stipulates that Leipzig will receive 10% of any profit Atalanta makes on the sale up to €20 million, and 15% of any profit exceeding that threshold. This means that a significant portion of the transfer fee Inter eventually pays will go to Leipzig, further influencing the dynamics of the negotiations.
Meanwhile, Napoli have moved on from their pursuit of Lookman and have already bolstered their attacking options with the signings of Noa Lang and Lorenzo Lucca. They remain in the market for another winger, signaling their intent to strengthen their squad depth ahead of the new season. Their willingness to withdraw from the Lookman deal suggests they are confident in their alternative targets and unwilling to be drawn into a protracted bidding war. Lookman’s future, therefore, hinges on the ongoing negotiations between Inter and Atalanta. The coming days and weeks will reveal whether Inter can meet Atalanta’s valuation and secure the winger’s services, or whether the transfer saga will take another unexpected turn.
