Italian giants, Inter Milan have stepped up the pursuit of Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman with an improved offer, as the club’s American owners, Oaktree, are ready to financially back a fresh bid for their top transfer target.
According to Corriere dello Sport, the Nerazzurri remain fully focused on bringing the Atalanta player to San Siro despite negotiations reaching a deadlock after initial contacts between the Serie A clubs.
Inter have offered €40m for the 26-year-old, whilst Atalanta are demanding €50m and insist on a permanent deal—ruling out any formula involving a loan with obligation to buy.
The valuation gap has created an impasse, but Tribuna.com reports that Oaktree’s willingness to support an enhanced bid could prove decisive in the coming weeks.
Lookman, who has a contract with Atalanta until 2027, is pushing for the move and has made it clear he wants to join Inter. His stance has already caused Napoli to drop out of the race after testing the waters with his entourage.
The forward has reportedly agreed terms on a contract running until 2030 worth €4.5m per season, rejecting more lucrative offers including €5m annually from Napoli.
La Gazzetta dello Sport had earlier reported that formal dialogue between the clubs represented “the first real conversation between the two club managements” after what had been a cold standoff.
However, Atalanta remain firm on their stance, holding out for €50m and preferring to sell the player to a foreign club, partly due to strong interest from Atlético Madrid.
A new meeting between Lookman and Atalanta’s directors is expected soon, whilst the player is recovering from injury and could be fully fit before the end of the month.
A decisive few weeks now await as Inter prepare their next move—determined not to miss out on Lookman again, after Atalanta beat them to the signing of Gianluca Scamacca last summer.
