Atalanta Blocks Ademola Lookman Transfer Amid Inter Milan Interest

Atalanta have once again refused to budge on a €50 million asking price for Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, despite Inter Milan increasing their bid to €45 million, with add‑ons included. Inter are eager to close the deal, but negotiations remain tense. Lookman has submitted his intent to leave Bergamo this summer, and his camp conveyed interest to Atalanta after Inter presented their improved written offer.

Ademola Lookman’s Power Play

According to Corriere della Sera via FCInterNews, Ademola Lookman is in a position to force Atalanta’s hand: by opting out of training or squad involvement, he could help accelerate the transfer process. Inter’s urgency is heightened after his recovery from a calf injury, with the club keen to have him in pre‑season preparations under the stewardship of coach Ivan Juric

Inter’s Best vs. Atalanta’s Demand

Inter initially offered €40 million, later improving to €45 million plus bonuses but Atalanta resisted, holding firm at €50–55 million total, while Inter seems unwilling to exceed €48 million in total valuation.

An industry insider, Fabrizio Romano said via his handle on X:

🚨⚫️🔵 Inter have presented new bid to Atalanta for Ademola Lookman today.

Offer worth €40m plus €5m add-ons.

Atalanta insist on higher fee, no agreement yet between the two clubs at this stage. pic.twitter.com/wAZwsjYAGA

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 29, 2025

“Lookman only wants Inter and personal terms are agreed, but Atalanta still sticking to €50m valuation” 

Atletico Madrid and Others Circling

If things fall apart, Atletico Madrid have been linked as a potential suitor. Reports suggest Atlético may match or even improve on Inter’s personal terms—an estimated €4.5–5 million annual salary—but remains tentative until Lookman’s situation is resolved. Meanwhile, Atalanta are reportedly preparing a new internal contract valued at €5 million per season—an attempt to persuade Lookman to stay—but the forward rejected it, making clear his ambition to join Inter.

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Gazzetta dello Sport via OneFootball suggests that this long-running saga could reach a resolution by the end of this weekend, with both clubs under pressure to settle matters before the pre-season ramps up.

Why It Matters for Nigerian Football

Ademola Lookman scored 39 goals in 93 appearances for Atalanta through May 2025, and was named African Footballer of the Year 2024 after his hat‑trick in the Europa League final—underlining his world‑class standing. Also, A big-money sale (€50m+) would signal a growing market value for Nigerian players abroad, influencing future transfers for Super Eagles stars.

Atalanta remain resolute on their €50 million valuation, while Inter Milan have responded with their strongest formal offer so far at €45 million plus bonuses. Lookman’s personal ambition to join Inter—and his leverage over squad participation may be the decisive factor. As the clubs lock horns, football fans in Nigeria and beyond await a resolution that could reshape transfer norms.

As one insider summed it up: “Lookman holds the key—and the transfer might hinge on his next move off the training pitch.”

This transfer negotiation reflects not just a tug‑of‑war over a player’s fee, but the evolving value of African talents in top leagues. With talks expected to conclude imminently, all eyes are on whether Atalanta will soften their stance, or whether Lookman backed by Inter’s improved proposal will finally get his move.