Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Inter Milan to pull out of Ademola Lookman talks

Talks collapsed weeks ago after the €45m bid was turned down, and Inter are now exploring other options.

• August 18, 2025
Ademola Lookman
Ademola Lookman [Credit; PUNCH Newspaper]

Inter Milan’s pursuit of Nigerian international Ademola Lookman is close to falling apart, with reports suggesting the Serie A giants are ready to abandon their deal with Atalanta.

According to reports from sport media outlets in Italy, the Nerazzurri no longer see the attacker as a priority and will instead shift focus to strengthening their midfield.

Atalanta nearly five weeks ago rejected two bids: an initial €40 million bid and then €45 million, including add-ons, from Inter Milan for the player, despite earlier discussions that he would be allowed to leave if a fair offer was submitted.

The club is also said to be considering a sell-on clause owed to RB Leipzig, his former club, which complicates transfer negotiations.

The 27-year-old winger has openly pushed for a move, sending a clear message of ‘Enough is Enough’ to Atalanta as talks dragged on.

He further expressed his frustration by skipping training sessions and pre-season games amid uncertainty over his future.

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano confirmed reports on Monday that Inter will officially inform both Lookman and Atalanta that the deal is off. Talks collapsed weeks ago after the €45m bid was turned down, and Inter are now exploring other options.

Direct discussions with Lookman’s camp are expected within 24 hours, while a move to the Premier League could also emerge as a possibility.

Despite speculation, Romano also confirmed the Lookman saga was never tied to Nicola Zalewski’s potential switch to Atalanta.

Despite his exploits for Atalanta, Lookman’s potential departure has been blocked after playing a key role in ending the club’s 61-year trophy drought.

The Nigerian forward delivered a historic hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final, earning the Man of the Match award. Since joining the Italian side in 2022, he has registered 32 goals and 16 assists.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Education

Kano records 11.3% reduction in out-of-school children: Commissioner

The Kano government on Monday said it has recorded an 11.3 per cent reduction in the number of out-of-school children.

Economy

Tinubu govt bets on skills training to lift five million Nigerians out of poverty

The government says it plans to lift five million young Nigerians out of poverty via its skills acquisition and empowerment programmes aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods.

Xenophobic violence

Africa

Tinubu govt demands justice over death of three Nigerians in South Africa

Nigeria’s consulate general in Johannesburg has called for justice over the death of three nationals in separate incidents across South Africa.

Deniz Göktaş

World

Turkish comedian Göktaş convicted for ‘insulting’ Erdoğan

The court has also placed the comedian on a travel ban.

efcc

Anti-Corruption

21 companies convicted, fined N30 million each over illegal investment schemes: EFCC

The commission said the companies were prosecuted following actionable intelligence.

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II

States

Olojo Festival: Ooni tasks politicians on prioritising welfare of Nigerians 

The traditional ruler urged politicians to work towards building a peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria.