Monday’s reports claim that Inter have set their price limit for their no.1 transfer target Ademola Lookman, and that Napoli’s interest in the Nigeria international is not over just yet.
Inter have been attempting to pull off a move for Atalanta forward Lookman for several weeks, but as things stand, have not found a breakthrough in negotiations with La Dea, who are reluctant to sell one of their star players to a direct league rival.
The Nerazzurri have seen an offer of €45m including bonuses turned down for the reigning African Player of the Year, which led to his releasing a statement via social media accusing Atalanta of breaking promises and that he had been treated poorly as a person and professional.
Lookman had also claimed that he had an agreement in place with Atalanta that he would be able to leave this summer should an appropriate offer come in.
Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi has since clarified that while there is an agreement in place to let Lookman leave this summer, it is only for a ‘top’ club outside of Italy.
In frustration, Lookman decided to not report for training with La Dea, and for now, the situation remains locked in a stalemate.
Inter hit Lookman limit, Napoli not over
According to updates from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter have decided that they are not prepared to go beyond their current price limit for Lookman, which is understood to be at €45m before bonuses, and €50m including them.
However, as things stand, there has been little contact with Atalanta, who are trying to show that they are not particularly keen on negotiating with a competitor from the same league.
Meanwhile, La Gazzetta dello Sport adds that Napoli, who had originally expressed an interest in signing Lookman as a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in January, are not completely out of the running, and that they could be ready to pounce if Inter decide to back out of negotiations.
Napoli also are a Serie A competitor. 🤔
But Napoli also are a Serie A competitor. 🤔
Are Napoli offering more money? Is that the issue?