Inter targeting January move for Lookman alternative after coming in under budget | OneFootball

Reports in Italy claim that Inter are still interested in pursuing a deal for Olympique Lyonnais forward Malick Fofana in the January window as an alternative option to Ademola Lookman after coming in under budget over the course of the summer.

Inter could put part of Lookman funds towards Fofana

The Nerazzurri made five new additions over the course of the summer transfer window, welcoming Luis Henrique, Petar Sucic, Ange-Yoan Bonny, Andy Diouf and finally Manuel Akanji on loan with a conditional obligation to buy on deadline day.

Inter were unable, however, to strike a deal with Atalanta for Ademola Lookman, who had been dubbed the no.1 transfer target at various stages of the summer.

BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 06: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta warms up prior to the Serie A match between Atalanta and SS Lazio at Gewiss Stadium on April 06, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

A bid of €45m including bonuses was rejected by Atalanta, which led to Lookman handing in a formal transfer request and deciding to return to the UK to train on his own.

Still, a move to San Siro never materialised, and the Nigeria international remains an Atalanta player after the close of the Serie A transfer window.

Inter decided to move in a different direction after missing out on the signing of Lookman. They opted to bring in a new central midfielder instead, Diouf, who ended up costing the club €25m including bonuses.

As per reports from Calciomercato.com, the Nerazzurri came in around €20m-€25m under budget over the course of the summer transfer window, likely due to the decision to drop Lookman and pursue a deal for Diouf instead.

However, those extra funds could still be utilised in the January transfer window according to Thursday’s reports.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY – JANUARY 23: Malick Fofana of Olympique Lyonnais looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Fenerbahce SK and Olympique Lyonnais at on January 23, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

According to various outlets including Calciomercato and Corriere dello Sport, Inter remain keen on a deal for Lyon forward Malick Fofana in the winter transfer window.

The Belgian is seen as an alternative option to Lookman, largely due to his dribbling ability and his eye for goal. It is understood that the additional €20m-€25m that Inter ‘saved’ during the summer transfer window could be put towards the potential signing of the Belgium international.