Ademola Lookman waiting for improved offer from Inter after €50m Atalanta man rejects Napoli transfer

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Nigerian forward has rejected Napoli's approach and is holding out for a move to Inter. Despite receiving a more lucrative offer from the Partenopei - a €5m net salary vs Inter’s €4.5m - Lookman is determined to join the Nerazzurri. Inter have already submitted a €40m (£26m/$34m) bid plus bonuses and a 10 per cent resale clause, which was swiftly rejected by Atalanta, who are demanding at least €50m (£43m/$58m).

Lookman’s agents are set for a fresh round of talks with Atalanta, hoping to push through the move. The Nigerian international is reportedly ready to intervene personally to accelerate his departure from Bergamo, leaning on a promise made last year by the club to allow a transfer. Inter, for their part, are open to slightly raising their offer and have the green light from Oaktree Capital to reach a compromise figure closer to €42-45 million.

Atalanta remain firm on their valuation and want a permanent sale rather than Inter’s proposed loan with obligation to buy. The Serie A runners-up are also frustrated with the tactics of Lookman's entourage and Inter executives, believing there has been too much back-channel manoeuvring.

The 27-year-old Lookman who helped Atalanta win the Europa League last season, with a stunning hat-trick, has stayed silent publicly, but the reports suggest that he has made it clear behind the scenes that he sees Inter as his only destination with keenly eyeing for an improved deal. Napoli, who explored a deal in June, have since reportedly backed off as they now prioritise signing a more traditional winger than Lookman, who profiles more as a second striker.

Whether Inter can convince Atalanta to accept a slightly lower offer or whether Lookman must take matters into his own hands remains to be seen. The forward is under contract until 2027, so Atalanta still hold the cards. But with the player clearly set on the San Siro, the pressure is now on both clubs to find common ground.