Inter have set their sights on Ademola Lookman. Or rather, would have secured him already, if not for the fact that dealing with Atalanta is never straightforward.
Year after year, the Bergamo club proves adept at unearthing hidden gems, rough diamonds that, in time, are polished into stars and sold for massive profits.
These funds are then reinvested intelligently on young players, strengthening the squad while ensuring financial stability. After the departures of Mateo Retegui and Matteo Ruggeri, the next two players likely to leave Bergamo, bringing another windfall to the club, are Ederson and Lookman.
The former Leicester City forward is Inter’s top priority to reinforce their attacking line. Coach Cristian Chivu sees him as the perfect partner for Lautaro Martinez, captain of the Nerazzurri.
Lookman offers a variety of solutions. Once deployed mainly as a winger, he has flourished at Atalanta in multiple roles: attacking midfielder, winger, and striker. The numbers speak volumes: 52 goals and 21 assists in 118 matches.
That’s nearly a goal every other game, and when you factor in the assists, his impact becomes even more striking, a clear testament to his value under Gian Piero Gasperini. It's precisely this consistent performance level that has drawn Inter’s attention. What's more, Chivu’s team are undergoing a transformation.
Chivu and Lookman
A new project is being built under a young coach with little top-level managerial experience, but extensive on-pitch pedigree.
Chivu has the leadership to manage high-profile players, yet starting a new era at a club like Inter inevitably involves risks. That’s why signing proven talent, players who can deliver from day one, is essential. Lookman fits that bill perfectly.
Goals, assists, flair, vision, speed, finishing, and elite decision-making. Gasperini moulded Lookman into a top-tier performer. Inter wants to make him the foundation of the Chivu era, the latest gem polished by Atalanta’s system.
The Nigeria international, for his part, is eager to move on. After nearly leaving last season, amid interest from PSG, he stayed and turned in a standout campaign, underlining his professionalism.
Atalanta’s CEO, Luca Percassi, recently confirmed Lookman's intention to leave, acknowledging the player’s desire for a step up.
On paper, the path to Inter seems clear. But the deal is far from done, Inter will have to stretch further to secure him, and they will try to do so in the next hours, maybe while these words are being written. If an agreement is reached, it would be a win for all parties.
Atalanta would earn yet another massive capital gain, Lookman would get his chance to prove himself at a top European club (a Champions League finalist in recent years), and Inter would secure a key piece for their ambitious rebuild.
Where does he fit?
So how would Lookman fit into Inter’s tactics? Chivu has stated he doesn’t plan to rely on a single formation, even though Inter has long played a 3-5-2.
His vision includes three forwards up top, signalling a shift in playing style. The traditional three-man backline of the Simone Inzaghi era may give way to a more fluid, attack-minded system.
Marcus Thuram and Martinez are already pillars of the attack. Add to that dynamic options like Nicola Zalewski, Francesco Esposito, and the newly acquired Ange-Yoan Bonny, and, if signed, Lookman, Inter could field a forward line built on unpredictability and speed.
Lookman and Bonny would likely be tasked with breaking defensive lines, creating overloads, and offering explosive transitions, attributes Inter currently lacks in depth.
Letting this deal fall through over a relatively minor financial difference would be a misstep for Inter, and, given Percassi’s comments, even for Atalanta. Lookman is ready; Inter must now make that final push.