Interview I Journalist Alessandro Pagliarini: “If Ademola Lookman leaves to Inter, it will be under conditions of club; not external pressures” | OneFootball

The transfer saga between Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman and Inter has reached its climax as there remains two weeks prior to the start of the 2025/26 campaign.

As it stands, the entourage of the 27-year-old and the Nerazzurri had discussions and reached an agreement on a five-year deal through 2030 worth €4.5m.

Inter’s first bid of €40m in the form of a loan with an obligation to buy was quickly shut down by La Dea

The Biscione submitted a second offer of €42m plus €3m in add ons as an attempt to acquire their primary target within the front-line.

However, Atalanta refused the counter-offer as they feel it is lower than the evaluation of the player that they have established.

Hence, Lookman released a public transfer request through social media outlets which he expressed his desire to leave Atalanta and feels betrayed by La Dea as they supposedly broke promises the year prior as the former Leizpig forward’s move to PSG collapsed.

With plenty of drama revolving Lookman’s potential transfer to Inter reaching a pivotal point, the Get Italian Football News team had Prima Bergamo journalist Alessandro Pagliarini exclusively provide his insight on the situation of the Nigerian international.

Pagliarini was first asked to describe his take on the erratic situation following the public transfer request, Luca Percassi’s press-conference explaining his side of the story in regards to the promises made to Lookman, and as well of the fact that it has been three days since Lookman has not showed up to training in Zingonia.

“The situation is certainly tense. Lookman made an explicit request, and his unexcused absence from training for three days has not gone unnoticed: Atalanta is also considering a fine, because the contract is in place, it’s solid, and expires in 2027, with a unilateral option until 2028 that Atalanta could exercise.

“Percassi’s words  were very clear and weighty: Atalanta, as a serious club, had made a moral commitment to the player, but on its own terms. Those conditions were two: to be sold only to a top European club and, in Italy, never to any club other than Atalanta. It was Lookman who requested this, according to the club’s position.

“That said, it’s also true that Atalanta has never denied opening negotiations with Inter. Indeed, the proposals have been listened to because, to date, no serious and concrete offers have arrived from abroad. Inter’s offer was simply deemed too low, so it was rejected. But Atalanta never considered him untouchable and never blocked his transfer to Italy.

“The important thing, however, is that the price is decided by them, not the buyer, trying to lower the price by exploiting the media, the press, agents’ social media efforts with removed photos and press releases, or the player himself by not showing up for training.

“So now the choice is clear: either Inter raises their offer and reaches an agreement on Atalanta’s terms, which dictate the price and time-frame, or they’ll wait for international offers, which remain the club’s priority for a transfer.

“But beware: Atalanta doesn’t seem at all inclined to give in to the pressure. The feeling is that, if Lookman leaves, it will be under the conditions established by the club. Not due to external pressure. And Inter knows this.”

In addition, Pagliarini was asked if a move to Inter would still be feasible as Luca Percassi revealed in the press that a promise was made that the next destination would not be a club within Italy and that they would accept a fee of €40m from foreign clubs.

“In reality, the figure Atalanta has always considered as a minimum is higher than €45 million: we’re talking about at least €50 million in fixed terms, plus bonuses. But beware: this figure has never been disclosed, either publicly or directly to Inter.

“It’s a deliberate strategy by Atalanta’s management: they don’t set a price, they don’t hold auctions. They prefer to listen, evaluate, and decide whether the offer received reflects the value they internally place on the player. By doing so, they maintain full control of the negotiation and leave the burden of revealing their cards to the other party. They also did this with Retegui, who was subsequently sold for nearly €70 million overall.

“And this is another key point: Atalanta has already raised money with major deals and doesn’t feel the need to sell Lookman at all costs this transfer window. This allows them to be rigid: they set the price, there’s no urgency, and there’s no desire to sell off a key player in their technical project.”

Finally, Pagliarini was asked if we can expect any other clubs attempt to make a last-minute swoop for Lookman given that talks between Inter and Atalanta are currently at a stand-still.

“To date, Inter is the only club actually negotiating for Lookman. After the breakdown that emerged publicly yesterday, some signs have rekindled, but no concrete offers have been received at this time.

“There have been inquiries in the Premier League, with Arsenal in particular following the player for a long time but never making a move. The Gunners prioritized Crystal Palace’s Eze, so the Lookman deal never gained traction. Napoli also made inquiries in recent months, but it was merely an exploratory approach and never materialized.

“The club that had shown the most interest was Atletico Madrid, so much so that Atalanta were expecting an offer from Spain. However, in recent weeks, the Colchoneros have shifted their focus to other options. It’s not out of the question that they could return to the fray, especially if some of their departures were to be resolved.

“Finally, there had also been strong interest from Saudi Arabia, but the player has rejected any approach from that direction, not being interested in that kind of experience at this stage of his career.

“So yes, the Inter option is the most advanced, but at the same time the most complicated, because—as we said—Atalanta would prefer to sell him abroad and have no need to sell. It remains to be seen whether, after the chaos of the last few hours, any major European club will decide to seriously reopen the Lookman file.”

Julian Faustini Ι GIFN