Inter Milan have issued a final deadline to Atalanta as they intensify their pursuit of Nigeria international Ademola Lookman.
The Nerazzurri, who are desperate to reinforce their attack ahead of the new season, have grown impatient with the lack of progress in negotiations for the 27-year-old winger.
While Inter have reportedly agreed personal terms with Lookman, a multi-year deal worth around €4m net per season, their €40m bid still falls short of Atalanta’s €50m valuation.
According to Tuttosport, Inter have now made it clear they will not wait indefinitely, setting a deadline for Atalanta to respond as the player nears full recovery from an injury.
“Inter Milan are desperate to sign Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, but they’re not willing to wait forever,” the paper stated.
It added that while Lookman’s arrival at San Siro should’ve seemed certain following the agreement on personal terms, the deal is now “hanging by a thread” due to Atalanta’s firm stance on their €50m demand.
Inter have refused to increase their offer and are exploring alternatives should negotiations collapse.
“Inter cannot and will not match La Dea’s €50m asking price,” Tuttosport noted.
“They already offered €40m for the Nigerian and won’t make any changes to their opening bid.”
Despite the impasse, Lookman continues to prioritise a move to the Nerazzurri. As earlier reported, the former RB Leipzig and Leicester City man has turned down interest from Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Napoli in order to focus solely on Inter.
Napoli, under new coach Antonio Conte, had hoped to use Giacomo Raspadori in a swap deal for Lookman, but the Nigerian declined the offer.
Similarly, Barcelona’s interest, hampered by financial constraints, failed to sway the forward.
Atalanta are reportedly eyeing Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee as a possible replacement, and are also managing other departures from their frontline, including Matteo Retegui’s recent move to Saudi club Al-Qadsiah.
