Inter Milan president Giuseppe Marotta has confirmed that talks with Atalanta over the transfer of Nigerian international Ademola Lookman are now at a pivotal stage, Footynaija.com reports.
Marotta is convinced that Inter Milan are favourite for Lookman’s signature, with a deal expected to be resolved one way or another in the coming days.
The 27-year-old forward Lookman, who is the reigning African Footballer of the Year following a stellar campaign with Atalanta, has emerged as a top target for the Nerazzurri this summer.
According to reports, Inter have already reached an agreement on personal terms with Lookman and are now working hard to finalise an agreement with Atalanta, who are believed to be holding out for a €50 million fee. Barcelona, Napoli and Atletico Madrid are also reportedly interested in Lookman but the Nigerian has his eyes set on a switch to Inter.
Speaking to reporters during a press briefing, Marotta underlined the urgency of the situation.
“This week will be crucial for Lookman deal,” he said. “We are in talks for Ademola Lookman, we want him but we also respect Atalanta.
“In 2-3 days we hope to proceed and be able to get the deal done otherwise we will move on and focus on other players.”
Lookman enjoyed a sensational 2023/24 campaign, scoring 20 goals and laying on seven assists in 40 appearances across all competitions. He was instrumental in Atalanta’s historic UEFA Europa League triumph, capping off the season with a memorable hat-trick in the final.
Since joining the Bergamo outfit, the former RB Leipzig and Leicester City winger has registered 52 goals and 25 assists in 118 appearances — establishing himself as one of the most dynamic attackers in Serie A.
Inter are now pushing to seal the deal before the Serie A season gets underway, but with negotiations still ongoing, the next few days will be decisive in shaping Lookman’s future.