Football General Manager
- Marotta confirms talks but urges patience
- Lookman not the only name on list
- Inter prepared to explore other options
Inter have lodged a new bid for Atalanta‘s Lookman worth €45 million (£39m/$42m), Calciomercato reports, after their initial offer was rejected. CEO Beppe Marotta confirmed during a press conference that this week would be “crucial” in determining the winger’s future, warning that the Nerazzurri could walk away from the deal if no breakthrough is reached. Atalanta are said to be asking for €50m (£42m/$54m).
Lookman has become Inter’s top attacking target following a breakout season in Bergamo, and the club believes he offers the unpredictability needed in their frontline. However, financial limits and Atalanta’s firm stance have stalled talks. With Marotta signalling a pivot to alternative targets if a deal isn’t done soon.
Marotta said told reporters: “I won’t deny that Lookman is an important player. He’s a player we didn’t discover ourselves; I think he’s on the radar of every Italian and European sporting director. But today he’s an Atalanta player. I’ve spoken a few words with Luca Percassi, but it’s premature to say what will happen.
“This will be a crucial week for Lookman. We’re looking for a player who can bring unpredictability to Inter, and Lookman is one option, but not the only one. If we don’t reach a conclusion in the next few days, we’ll make a different choice.”
Inter will submit their new offer before the Lega Serie A assembly, hoping Atalanta honour Lookman’s desire to leave. Lookman’s stance could also change if Inter fail to close the deal this week, opening the door to other suitors.
