Inter Milan have issued a final deadline to Atalanta as negotiations over Nigerian international Ademola Lookman continue to stall. The Nerazzurri, who are keen to bolster their attacking options ahead of the upcoming Serie A campaign, have grown increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress in talks.
Having already agreed personal terms with the 27-year-old winger—a deal reportedly worth €4 million net per season—Inter submitted a €40 million bid. However, Atalanta remain firm on their €50 million valuation, creating a significant gap that has halted any advancement.
According to Italian outlet Tuttosport, Inter have now made it clear they will not wait indefinitely. The club has set a response deadline for Atalanta, especially as Lookman approaches full recovery from a recent injury.
“Inter Milan are desperate to sign Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, but they’re not willing to wait forever,” the publication stated.
While the agreement on personal terms initially suggested a smooth path to completion, Tuttosport reports that the deal is now “hanging by a thread” due to Atalanta’s unwillingness to negotiate on price. Inter have ruled out increasing their offer and are now exploring alternative targets in case the deal collapses.
“Inter cannot and will not match La Dea’s €50 million asking price,” the report added. “They already offered €40 million for the Nigerian and won’t make any changes to their opening bid.”
Despite the impasse, Lookman reportedly remains committed to joining Inter. As previously covered by PUNCH Sports Extra, the former RB Leipzig and Leicester City winger has turned down interest from several European giants, including Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Napoli, in order to prioritise a move to the San Siro.
Napoli, now managed by Antonio Conte, had proposed a player exchange involving forward Giacomo Raspadori, but the offer was rejected by Lookman. Similarly, Barcelona’s interest—limited by financial restrictions—failed to tempt the player away from his preferred destination.
Meanwhile, Atalanta are believed to be preparing for a possible departure by considering replacements. Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee has emerged as one of their top options. The club is also navigating other changes in their attacking lineup, including Matteo Retegui’s recent transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah.
As the deadline set by Inter draws near, all eyes will be on Atalanta’s next move and whether the Italian clubs can finally reach a compromise in one of the summer’s most closely watched transfer sagas.
