Inter Milan president Giuseppe Marotta has officially declared that Ademola Lookman is a top priority for the Nerazzurri, with hopes of finalizing a deal for the Atalanta forward in the near future.
Lookman has quickly risen as one of the most promising attacking talents in Serie A since joining Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022, playing a key role in their Europa League triumph in the 2023-24 season.
In his three seasons in Serie A, Lookman has been directly involved in 57 goals (39 goals, 18 assists) in 93 league appearances, only behind Inter’s Lautaro Martinez (57 goals, 12 assists).
The Nigerian forward has been linked with a move away from Atalanta following a public fallout with former coach Gian Piero Gasperini in February, despite Gasperini’s departure to Roma in June.
Inter have emerged as frontrunners for Lookman’s signature as they aim to reclaim the Serie A title from Napoli, with reports suggesting a potential €45m transfer fee. Marotta confirmed the club’s interest in Lookman during a press conference on Monday.
Marotta stated, “I can’t deny that he (Lookman) is a key target for us. However, he is currently an Atalanta player, and we respect that. We are looking to strengthen our squad and are not afraid to pursue top players. It’s too early to predict the outcome, but Lookman is definitely on our radar.”
The next few days could prove crucial in securing Lookman’s transfer, as Marotta emphasized the importance of finding players who can adapt to different formations under the coach’s guidance.
Despite Inter’s aging squad, which was evident in their Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, Marotta believes Lookman’s experience at 28 years old will be invaluable to the team.
“We understand that youth alone cannot guarantee success in football. Alongside talent, you need experience and strong personalities,” Marotta explained. “Lookman may not be a resale prospect or a hidden gem, but he is a quality player who can elevate those around him.”
As negotiations with Atalanta progress, Inter are hopeful of reaching a positive resolution in the coming days to secure Lookman’s services and bolster their squad for the upcoming season.
