Inter line up new Ademola Lookman bid and set deadline after Atalanta deny 'broken promises' over transfer to Serie A rivals

Even after agreeing on a €4.5 million annual salary at Inter, Lookman has yet to make the move, as the Nerazzuri are still negotiating with Atalanta over the player's transfer fee. According to Gazzetta, after seeing two previous offers rejected, Inter are set to table a new offer worth more than €45m (£39m/$52m) and closer to €50m (£43m/$58m) to meet the demands of his current employers. They will grant 10 days for the matter to be settled and want to present a new forward to manager Cristian Chivu as soon as the Serie A commences later this month.

Lookman has made clear he wants to leave Bergamo for Milan, confirming he has submitted an official transfer request and accusing the club of not standing by an agreement to let him leave. However, Atalanta's CEO hit back, clarifying that the agreement was for him to be sold to a team outside of Serie A. Amid this drama, Atalanta fans have attacked Lookman by putting up a banner outside the Zingonia training centre, which read, "Enough is enough. Unworthy agents and ungrateful players, respect the fans and those who have supported you." Notably, Lookman had scored 52 goals in his three seasons at the club and played a crucial role in Gian Piero Gasperini's system to help them lift the Europa League in 2024. 

While Inter were always on the front foot to sign Lookman, the Nigerian also had potential interest from Napoli and La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid. However, he reportedly has his heart set on a switch to San Siro.

Lookman will have to wait for Inter to present their new bid and hope that Atalanta accept, or else he could be forced to stay in Bergamo for at least another year. His contract expires in 2027.