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Inter Milan have pulled out of the race for Nigerian winger, Ademola Lookman, leaving the door wide open for Napoli to swoop in with a blockbuster €52 million offer for the Atalanta forward.
According to Italian outlet SportMediaset, Inter’s chase of Ademola Lookman is now “frozen” after Atalanta rejected two formal bids.
The Nerazzurri initially tabled €40 million before returning with an improved €45m proposal, including add-ons, but both were turned down as the Bergamo side stood firm on their €50 million valuation.
The prolonged negotiations, which have dragged on for more than a month, prompted Lookman to take matters into his own hands. The Super Eagles star reportedly demanded a transfer and has refused to attend training sessions for over a week in a bid to force through a move.
Napoli, however, are now primed to capitalise on Inter’s withdrawal. Transfer market analyst Luca Cerchione revealed that the reigning Serie A champions are ready to meet Atalanta’s demands.
“Lookman, Napoli has earmarked a €52 million deposit, a sum deemed appropriate by Atalanta,” Cerchione explained. “The Neapolitan club must decide whether to try and convince the player, who is more inclined towards Inter, to forgo their fifth midfielder, or abandon the pursuit of the Nigerian altogether.”
The twist is significant, given that Ademola Lookman had already reached personal terms with Inter and appeared destined for the San Siro. With their pursuit over, the Nerazzurri will now redirect their transfer budget towards defensive reinforcements, with Udinese’s Oumar Solet topping their wishlist, alongside a holding midfielder.
Atalanta boss Ivan Juric has voiced concerns about losing another key attacker after top scorer Mateo Retegui’s move to Saudi Arabia.
“We lost players who provided 80-90 per cent of our goals, and it won’t be easy to replace them,” Juric admitted.
Local outlet L’Eco di Bergamo reported that Atalanta have so far only received Inter’s formal offers, but Napoli’s willingness to go beyond €50m could turn the saga in their favour.
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