Reigning African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman could be forced to remain at Atalanta after Inter Milan failed to meet the club’s €50m valuation, with the Nerazzurri now exploring alternative targets.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Atalanta have made it clear that their €50m asking price applies only to clubs outside Italy — a stance that has complicated negotiations with domestic rivals Inter, whose most recent bid stood at €45m.
With talks stalling, L’Équipe reports Inter have opened discussions for AS Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche, 23, who has six senior caps for France and represented his country at the Olympics. However, Monaco’s €70m valuation makes the Frenchman even more expensive than Lookman.
Despite the deadlock, Inter still view Lookman as their primary target. The 27-year-old Nigerian has already turned down interest from Arsenal, Napoli and Atlético Madrid in favour of joining the Nerazzurri.
Frustrated by the impasse, Lookman has not reported for Atalanta training since August 5, in protest at the club rejecting Inter’s offer.
He claims the Bergamo side had promised to sanction a move if a suitable bid arrived, accusing them of reneging on that agreement. Atalanta’s CEO, however, insists the arrangement was only valid for offers from foreign clubs.
Corriere dello Sport reports that Lookman has been training privately in London during his absence. Atalanta are understood to be aware of his whereabouts and have yet to sanction disciplinary measures.
Signed from RB Leipzig in 2022, Lookman has become a talisman for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side, scoring a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in last season’s Europa League final.
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