Nigerian international and reigning African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman, has formally told Atalanta he wants to join Serie A rivals Inter Milan, having already agreed personal terms with the Nerazzurri.
According to multiple credible Italian sources, including renowned football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Lookman has communicated his desire to make the move to the Italian champions after fresh contacts were made on Wednesday night.
“Ademola Lookman, keen on Inter move after further contacts tonight with his camp. He told Atalanta he wants to leave,” Romano posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Inter Ready to Make a Move
Inter Milan are preparing to submit an official offer in the coming days. However, negotiations may not be straightforward. Atalanta are reportedly demanding a fee of around €50 million for the 26-year-old, particularly from Italian clubs, as they would prefer not to strengthen a direct domestic rival. The club is believed to be more open to negotiating a lower fee with foreign suitors, should any firm interest emerge from outside Italy.
Despite this, Inter remain confident of reaching an agreement, with new manager Christian Chivu reportedly giving the green light for the deal. The Nerazzurri view Lookman as a key addition to their attacking line, especially with potential outgoings in the wide positions and growing concerns over squad depth to contend for both Serie A and UEFA Champions League.
Lookman’s Rise and Impact at Atalanta
Lookman has enjoyed a meteoric rise since joining Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022. He registered 17 goals and 8 assists across all competitions in the 2023/24 season and played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s historic UEFA Europa League triumph. He etched his name into European football history by scoring a stunning hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen—becoming the first player to do so in a major European final since 1975.
The former Everton and Fulham winger’s consistency, pace, and creativity have made him one of the most valuable attacking players in Serie A, and his performances have not gone unnoticed on the international stage.
A Strong International Profile
Lookman, who switched allegiance from England to Nigeria in 2022, was a standout performer for the Super Eagles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scoring three goals and helping Nigeria reach the final. His recent success earned him the prestigious CAF African Footballer of the Year award in 2024, further raising his profile.
What Next?
With Inter stepping up efforts and Lookman clearly pushing for the move, the ball is now in Atalanta’s court. Whether they will soften their stance on the asking price or hold firm remains to be seen.
If the deal goes through, Lookman would become the latest Nigerian to don the black and blue of Inter Milan, following in the footsteps of legends like Obafemi Martins, Nwankwo Kanu, and Taribo West.