Inter Milan have officially frozen negotiations with Atalanta for Ademola Lookman, abandoning their pursuit after weeks of deadlock. Softfootball reported that Inter made a final push last week to sign Lookman from Atalanta, describing the coming days as crucial in their pursuit of the Nigerian winger.
The Nerazzurri made Lookman their top attacking target this summer but were locked in a valuation deadlock with Atalanta, a dispute the Italian giants are already disinterested in.
Fabrizio Romano revealed that the club will soon tell Lookman’s agent that they are no longer proceeding with the deal after failing to reach an agreement with Atalanta.
Romano confirmed the situation on his official X handle, posting:
“Inter will talk to Ademola Lookman agent in next 24h, expected to inform the Nigerian forward about deal OFF.
Negotiations with Atalanta are completely frozen since two weeks ago.
Lookman deal was never linked to Nicola Zalewski’s move to Atalanta, as always reported.”
Inter had tabled offers of €40m and €45m for the 27-year-old, but Atalanta held firm to their €50–55m valuation. The Nerazzurri’s directors, Beppe Marotta and Piero Ausilio, are unwilling to re-enter talks unless Atalanta soften their stance.
As a result, the €45m set aside for Lookman is now expected to be redirected into defensive and midfield reinforcements, with Udinese centre-back Oumar Solet among the names on the shortlist.
Lookman, who scored 17 goals for Atalanta last season, is understood to be frustrated by the situation. Softfootball reported that he has already skipped training sessions and removed Atalanta references from his social media accounts. He has also filed a formal transfer request, claiming the club broke promises over allowing him a move this summer.
The forward is currently in London, waiting for clarity over his future, but Inter’s hardening stance makes a quick resolution unlikely.
Rumours that the proposed transfer was tied to Nicola Zalewski’s move to Atalanta have also been denied. Both Inter and Romano have stressed that the two negotiations are completely unrelated.
Inter remain admirers of Lookman, but unless Atalanta revise their demands, they are set to walk away permanently. The club’s priority is now to strengthen their backline and midfield before the transfer window closes.
For Lookman, the saga leaves his future in limbo. While he has made his desire to leave clear, Atalanta insists they will decide on value and timing, and selling a star attacker to a Serie A rival remains an unlikely scenario without a significant bid.
