Atalanta CEO: Lookman wants to leave – July 30 update

Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi has told the press that Ademola Lookman “has been expressing a desire to leave for some time” and that “Inter are a very friendly club” amid rumours linking the Nerazzurri with a move for the Nigerian forward.

Speaking to the press at the presentation of new left-back Honest Ahanor, with quotes via Corriere dello Sport, Percassi described Lookman as “a player expected to leave this summer, in line with the club’s philosophy of one key sale per year” but confessed “the transfer market brings surprises and you all know what happened with Retegui.”

Mateo Retegui signed for Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah earlier this month in a deal worth a reported €65 million. This means there is less pressure on La Dea to offer discounts for Lookman, as Inter maintain a firm interest.

Percassi: ‘Inter submitted first offer for Lookman; we will see…’

Percassi discussed Inter’s move for Lookman, confessing that “For Lookman, despite a lot of interest, there had never been anything concrete, at least not until yesterday when the first official offer arrived.”

“I saw Marotta yesterday at the Lega offices. We have a great relationship, both personally and professionally. In the coming days, we will calmly evaluate the offer we have received and then provide a response. All I can say is that the timing and value of Atalanta players leaving are decisions made solely by the club.”

Yesterday, we revealed that Inter’s latest offer for Lookman is still below La Dea’s €50 million asking price for the forward. Inter’s first proposal was a reported €42 million plus €3 million in bonuses.