Atalanta have turned down another bid from Inter Milan for Nigeria international Ademola Lookman, rejecting an offer worth €42 million plus €3 million in add-ons, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reported on Friday that Atalanta informed Inter of their decision, having previously dismissed an opening €40 million proposal.
Despite agreeing personal terms with the Nerazzurri and expressing a strong desire to move to the San Siro, Lookman’s transfer remains stalled, with Atalanta standing firm on their €50 million valuation.
The Bergamo-based club insist the full amount must be met—whether upfront or through performance-related bonuses. Their rigid stance is partly influenced by a sell-on clause in Lookman’s original deal from RB Leipzig, which entitles the German side to 10% of any profit up to €20 million and 15% above that threshold.
According to transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà, Atalanta might be willing to accept a package of €45 million fixed plus €5 million in bonuses. However, Inter are believed to have reached their financial limit and are now exploring alternative attacking options.
Premier League clubs have also been made aware of Atalanta’s asking price, potentially opening the door for bids from England.
In a related development, Lookman was excluded from Atalanta’s squad for their friendly match against RB Leipzig on Saturday. The club cited a calf injury picked up two weeks ago and the ongoing transfer talks as reasons for his absence.
The 27-year-old forward joined Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022 for €10.8 million and has since become a key figure, scoring 52 goals in 118 appearances. He played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s historic 2024 UEFA Europa League triumph, netting a memorable hat-trick in the final.
As the saga drags on, the reigning African Footballer of the Year now faces an uncertain wait, with Inter showing no sign of meeting Atalanta’s full valuation.
