In the intricate dance of the football transfer market, patience is often heralded as a virtue. For Inter Milan, this virtue appears to be the cornerstone of their strategy to secure Ademola Lookman, the Atalanta forward, to complete their formidable attacking lineup. Echoing the stoic resolve of Viktor Navorski in “The Terminal,” Inter`s management has adopted a “we wait” mantra, but with a crucial ten-day deadline looming.
The Player`s Unmistakable Intent
Ademola Lookman`s desire to join Inter Milan has moved beyond mere whispers and into the realm of public demonstration. In a refreshing display of player agency, or perhaps, a bold declaration of intent, Lookman has left little to the imagination regarding his preferred destination. His digital footprint tells a story: first, the deletion of photos featuring him in an Inter shirt from his social media profiles, followed by a lengthy, emphatic statement published on Instagram, and most recently, a conspicuous absence from training sessions at Zingonia.
This sequence of events has not gone unnoticed by the Atalanta faithful. Banners unfurled outside the training ground have branded him “ungrateful” and “unrecognizing,” a stark reflection of fan sentiment when a prized asset actively seeks a move. Lookman, who has contributed a significant 52 goals during his three seasons at the Gewiss Stadium, is seemingly prepared to endure the ire of his current supporters to pursue his ambition of joining the Nerazzurri. He has, notably, already rebuffed advances from clubs of the caliber of Napoli and Atletico Madrid, firmly signaling his unwavering commitment to a move to San Siro.
Inter`s Calculated Patience: A High-Stakes Negotiation
Inter Milan`s executives, Giuseppe Marotta and Piero Ausilio, are executing a strategy that balances assertiveness with a measured dose of restraint. Their plan remains unswayed by Atalanta`s firm stance, as articulated by CEO Luca Percassi. Inter is not issuing ultimatums, but rather setting a clear, internal deadline: approximately ten days.
The financial aspect of this transfer has been a persistent sticking point. Inter`s initial offer of **€40 million** was promptly rejected on July 17th. A subsequent proposal of **€45 million, including bonuses,** was also turned down after a meeting between Marotta and Percassi on July 29th. Undeterred, the Nerazzurri are poised to table a third offer, expected to push the valuation closer to, or even beyond, the **€50 million** mark. This incremental increase reflects both Inter`s conviction in Lookman`s value and their understanding of Atalanta`s high demands.
Lookman`s personal terms with Inter are reportedly settled: **€4.5 million net per year until 2030**, a figure made more palatable by Italy`s “Decreto Crescita” (Growth Decree), which provides significant tax benefits for foreign workers moving to Italy. This lucrative long-term agreement further solidifies his resolve to join the Milanese giants and form the anticipated “ThuLaLo” trident alongside Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez.
The Ticking Clock and Alternative Profiles
The ten-day timeline is not arbitrary. It aligns with Inter`s preparations for the upcoming Serie A season. Before their league debut against Torino at San Siro on August 25th, the Nerazzurri are scheduled for three critical pre-season friendlies: against Monaco (August 8th), Monza (August 12th), and Olympiacos (August 16th). Coach Cristian Chivu is keen to integrate a new attacking profile into his squad before competitive matches commence, making Lookman the clear priority.
However, Inter`s management is not without contingency plans. Should the impasse with Atalanta persist beyond their stipulated deadline, attention would inevitably shift to alternative targets. **Christopher Nkunku**, the versatile forward from Chelsea, remains on Inter`s shortlist. Nkunku`s impressive record of **14 goals in 35 appearances** last season makes him an attractive option. The primary obstacle, however, is his substantial wage demands of **€6.5 million net per year** and a long-term contract extending until 2029. Inter`s stringent wage policy necessitates a delicate negotiation with both Nkunku`s agents and Chelsea, a complex endeavor not currently prioritized over the Lookman saga. For now, the focus, and indeed the priority, remains firmly on securing the Nigerian international.
As the summer transfer window progresses, the Lookman saga epitomizes the blend of strategic negotiation, player ambition, and fan emotion that defines modern football. Whether Inter`s calculated patience will ultimately prevail, securing their coveted forward before the Serie A curtain rises, remains a captivating question.
