Report – Atalanta Annoyed By ‘Provocation’ By Inter Milan In Ademola Lookman Transfer Talks | OneFootball

Atalanta have reportedly been left angry with Inter Milan over a “provocation” in their opening bid for Ademola Lookman.

This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Corriere della Sera, via FCInterNews.

Yesterday, Inter Milan really made their move for Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman.

The Corriere della Sera report that behind the scenes, the Nerazzurri have been eyeing up the Nigerian international for weeks.

RB Leipzig’s Lois Openda is also on Inter’s radar in attack. But it is Lookman who is their priority.

In the last couple days, things have really begun to heat up.

Inter already have an agreement on personal terms in hand with Lookman. Therefore, they have now formally approached Atalanta.

Atalanta Angry Over Inter Milan “Provocation” In Ademola Lookman Talks

BOLOGNA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC looks on during the Serie A match between Bologna and Atalanta at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on September 28, 2024 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

The Corriere della Sera report that Inter Sporting Director Piero Ausilio called his Atalanta counterpart Tony D’Amico yesterday.

The Inter executive put a bid worth €40 million on the table.

Then, Atalanta Sporting Director D’Amico rejected this figure, giving a counter-offer of €50 million.

Then, the Corriere della Sera report, Inter President Beppe Marotta spoke with Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi.

Hoping to smooth things over given his longstanding good relationship with the Percassi family, Marotta outlined Inter’s proposal for a Lookman transfer.

The Nerazzurri President floated the idea of a loan deal containing a purchase obligation – hardly an uncommon phenomenon within Italian football.

However, according to the Corriere della Sera, Atalanta viewed Inter’s €40 million offer as an “affront.”

La Dea view Ademola Lookman as the most valuable player in their squad. Therefore, they would expect to cash in for more than €40 million this summer.

Therefore, there are ill feelings in Bergamo. Atalanta see an element of “blackmail” by Lookman and his representatives to force a move to his desired club, and for a low fee.

Furthermore, the Corriere della Sera report, Atalanta’s executives were left particularly upset over a comment from Inter to the effect of “Take your time, let us know.”

The Nerazzurri know full well that their transfer approach threatens to destabilize Lookman’s situation in Bergamo.

Accordingly, this seemingly flippant and casual attitude in yesterday’s discussions annoyed La Dea more than a little.