By Sport Analyst
Emmanuel Afonja
Inter Milan have officially pulled out of their chase for Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman after transfer negotiations with Atalanta collapsed. The Nerazzurri are now set to formally inform the player’s representatives that the deal will not be moving forward.
According to renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Inter executives are expected to meet with Lookman’s camp within the next 24 hours to provide clarity on the situation and explain the reasons behind the failed talks.
The breakdown follows nearly two weeks of stalled negotiations. Despite Inter’s optimism, Atalanta refused to budge on their valuation of the 26-year-old attacker, leaving no room for compromise. Ultimately, Inter were forced to abandon their pursuit as financial disagreements proved insurmountable.
Club insiders have also dismissed speculation that Lookman’s potential move was tied to Nicola Zalewski’s possible transfer from Roma to Atalanta, stressing that the two negotiations were completely unrelated.
Lookman, who joined Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022, has since established himself as one of the club’s most influential players. He has consistently delivered in both Serie A and European competitions, while also shining on the international stage. At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, he scored three goals, playing a pivotal role in Nigeria’s run to the final.
For Inter, the winger was seen as a versatile option capable of adding depth and dynamism to the attack amid ongoing squad adjustments. However, with Atalanta unwilling to compromise on their demands, Inter will now shift focus toward alternative transfer targets as the summer window approaches its closing stages.
