Ademola Lookman, the dynamic Nigerian forward, has risen quickly to prominence in Serie A since his move to Atalanta in 2022. With his pace, flair, and tactical versatility—able to operate across both flanks or as a second striker—he has become a key performer for the Bergamo side .
In the 2023‑24 season, he delivered a stunning performance, scoring a hat‑trick in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen—helping Atalanta clinch the trophy for the first time in their history. In doing so, he became the first player to net a hat‑trick in a one‑legged men’s European final since 1969 . These feats earned him the 2024 African Footballer of the Year award, solidifying his status as one of the continent’s elite .
In the just‑concluded 2024‑25 campaign, Lookman scored 15 goals, further underlining his value and importance to the team’s attacking output .
2. Inter Milan’s €40 Million Bid: Player and Club Reactions
On 16–17 July 2025, multiple reports confirmed that Inter Milan submitted a firm €40 million bid to Atalanta for Lookman. Inter view him as a priority target to lead a re‑imagined attack under their new coach Cristian Chivu .
According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Inter have already reached a personal agreement with Lookman, who reportedly welcomed the move, signaling his clear intent to join the Nerazzurri . Similarly, Nicolo Schira reports the player is set to sign a contract until June 2030, earning approximately €4 million annually .
Meanwhile, Atalanta—long known for their tough negotiating stance—are holding firm on a valuation closer to €50 million, refusing to budge beyond their asking price despite having previously suggested they would allow him to leave this summer . Inter, on the other hand, remain unwilling to raise their offer and risk looking elsewhere if the negotiation stalls .
3. Lookman’s Message to Inter Milan: Three World‑Class Signals
Although specifics about the “three world messages” cited in your prompt aren’t detailed in mainstream press reports, we can interpret this phrase as referring to three decisive signals sent by Lookman to Inter Milan’s management:
Signal 1: Personal Agreement
Reports confirm Lookman has already reached terms and agreed in principle to join Inter, conveying to club management that he supports the transfer wholeheartedly .
Signal 2: Public Excitement and Desire
Media relay that the winger is “excited about moving to San Siro” and sees Inter as the natural next step—strong indications of his enthusiasm and readiness for the challenge ().
Signal 3: Form & Ambition
His standout form—15 goals last season and key role in Atalanta’s European success—act as a statement of ambition. Combined with comparisons across clubs interested in him (Arsenal, Barcelona, Napoli, Atletico Madrid), it sends a clear message: he wants to compete at top level and with Inter is a preferred destination ().
Thus, while “three world messages” may not have been literal bullet‑pointed statements in press, they represent three unmistakable signals of intent and confidence.
4. The Negotiation Landscape
Inter’s Position
- Inter see Lookman as a transformational signing to bolster Chivu’s revamped forward line, alongside Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram .
- Their offer is firmly set at €40 million (~£33.7m), with no current plans to increase unless forced to reopen talks .
- Their deal structure also reflects internal financial flexibility under new management and a desire to operate decisively in the market ().
Atalanta’s Stance
- Atalanta value Lookman highly, demanding a minimum of €50 million, reflecting both his peak form and contract length until 2027 .
- The club faces the challenge of balancing retention with acknowledgment of promised exit clauses or past assurances to the player ().
Other Clubs in the Mix
Lookman has reportedly attracted interest from several top-tier clubs:
- Barcelona, Arsenal, Napoli, Atletico Madrid, Liverpool, and PSG have all been linked at various stages—with some early talks already held, though none have progressed as far as Inter’s concrete bid ().
5. Why It Matters
For Inter Milan
Securing Lookman would address two urgent needs:
- Creativity and 1v1 attacking threat: Inter have lacked a truly explosive dribbler in recent seasons; fans and pundits have noted the need for a player capable of unlocking tight defences .
- Tactical flexibility: Chivu favors an attack capable of fluid rotation and movement; Lookman’s versatility fits that vision seamlessly.
For Lookman
- Career progression: Moving to San Siro and competing in the Champions League aligns with his evident ambition.
- Platform for success: After winning the Europa League and African honours, Lookman appears ready for the next level and believes Inter offers that path .
6. Challenges Ahead
Valuation Plateau
The €10 million valuation gap remains the major obstacle. If Atalanta hold firm, the deal may stall unless Inter raise their offer or Atalanta lower expectations.
Emotional & Management Tensions
Earlier in the season, there were public tensions between Lookman and Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini—particularly over a penalty incident, which led to public criticism from the coach calling Lookman “one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen” . That friction likely accelerated the player’s desire to leave.
Time Pressure
Inter have expressed urgency to close negotiations promptly to avoid diversion to other targets such as Nico Gonzalez or Sancho if talks dribble on .
7. What This Means Moving Forward
- Negotiation Outcome: If Atalanta maintain their €50m demand, Inter must either meet halfway (unlikely) or walk away, shifting focus to alternate targets like Gonzalez or Sancho.
- Player Decision Leverage: Lookman’s consent to the move gives Inter leverage—having the player ready incentivizes Atalanta to consider compromise.
- Market Impact: Should other clubs step in with superior offers, the dynamic could shift rapidly.
8. Conclusion
Ademola Lookman’s refusal to hold back on Inter’s €40 million approach reflects a decisive moment in his career. The combination of formal personal agreement, public enthusiasm, and top‑class performance represent strong messages to Inter Milan’s board and managers.
Atalanta’s resistance and valuation gap remain the core barrier. Yet, with summer unfolding and deadlines approaching, this could become one of the defining Serie A transfers of 2025—if Inter are willing to press and Atalanta soften.
TL;DR
- Inter Milan offered €40m for Lookman; Atalanta want €50m .
- Lookman has given his approval, and reports suggest he’s excited to join, sending clear signals to Inter’s board ().
- Tensions with Atalanta’s coach and agent interest may hasten exit—but unless valuation gap narrows, deal may stall.
