Inter hoping Lookman can force Atalanta exit despite low-ball offer

Inter Milan have reached an agreement over personal terms with Ademola Lookman, but negotiations with Atalanta remain tense.

The Nerazzurri are hoping the Nigerian forward will request a transfer to help close the €10 million gap between their bid and Atalanta’s asking price.

Lookman has agreed to a four-year contract with Inter worth €4 million per season and has already turned down a higher wage offer from Napoli.

However, Inter’s initial €40 million bid was rejected by Atalanta, who value the player at €50 million. The Italian giants had first attempted to sign Lookman on loan with an option to buy, but that approach was immediately dismissed.

Still, Inter believe Lookman’s willingness to join will be decisive and are counting on him to push for a move in the coming hours.

Reports suggest Atalanta may be softening their stance and could be open to a reduced fee if Lookman signals his intent to leave.

Atalanta have already secured €65 million from Mateo Retegui’s sale to Al-Qadsiah and are under no pressure to sell cheaply.

This strengthens their negotiating position and explains their firm stance so far. However, sources in Italy claim Atalanta expect Inter to return with a slightly improved offer, possibly €2 to €3 million more than the original bid.

The coming days could be key, especially if Lookman formally requests a transfer, which may trigger a more serious round of negotiations.

Inter have already brought in Petar Sucic, Luis Henrique, and Ange-Yoan Bonny this window, and they are eager to add Lookman to that list.