Italian giants Inter Milan have stepped up their chase for Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, preparing an increased €45 million offer for the Atalanta star ahead of next week.
Respected Italian journalist Ivan Zazzaroni disclosed the development in a post on Instagram, noting that the Serie A club’s summer budget of €100 million, approved by owners Oaktree Capital, will largely go into securing Lookman’s signature.
“Oaktree have made €100 million available for transfers,” Zazzaroni said. “Lookman is their priority target.”
He added, “Next week, Inter will raise their offer to €45 million. Then the ball will be in Percassi’s court – and that of Lookman himself,” referring to Atalanta CEO Antonio Percassi.
Atalanta had earlier rejected Inter’s opening €40m bid, insisting on a €50m valuation for the 27-year-old winger, who played a pivotal role in their UEFA Europa League triumph last season.
Despite initial reluctance, fresh reports suggest Inter are now willing to compromise to land the Nigerian attacker before the start of the new campaign.
Although negotiations between both clubs remain tense, Observers Times gathered that Lookman has already agreed personal terms with the Nerazzurri. The deal reportedly includes a multi-year contract worth around €4 million net per season.
The Lagos-born star, who previously featured for Everton, RB Leipzig, and Leicester City, is said to have snubbed strong interest from Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, and Napoli. Napoli had proposed a player-swap involving Giacomo Raspadori, but Lookman turned it down, reinforcing his preference for a move to the San Siro.
Inter’s renewed offer also comes as Lookman nears full fitness after a brief injury spell, giving the club fresh hope of sealing the deal before pre-season concludes.
Lookman, who scored a memorable hat-trick in the Europa League final, remains one of Nigeria’s most in-demand players in Europe, with fans eager to see him compete for major honours in Italy’s top flight.
