INTER Milan President Beppe Marotta has said that the club expect to ‘reach a conclusion over the next two or three days’ with Atalanta over Ademola Lookman, one way or another.
The UEFA Champions League and Serie A runners-up saw their opening offer of €40m rejected for Lookman in recent days, and then refused to include Francesco Pio Esposito as part of an exchange deal.
Negotiations are ongoing and the Super Eagles forward is the top target on Inter Milan’s shopping list for new coach Cristian Chivu.
“I will not disguise that Lookman is an important element, who was indicated also by the coach and technical staff,” said Marotta during Chivu’s press conference on Monday.
“He is a player that I assume every director of sport has been watching, not only in Italy but also in Europe, but today he is an Atalanta player. We have a good rapport with Atalanta and have no intention of being obstructionist with them.
“I will also not deny that I exchanged a few words with (Atalanta CEO) Luca Percassi and it is only logical, everyone has to raise the bar. That means not being afraid of asking for talented players, so this is what I can tell you.
“It is premature to say what will happen, but he is among the players we have on our list, this is true.”
Football Italia reported that Inter set a specific deadline for the Lookman talks, warning that they would either get the deal done or abandon it by July 29.
Marotta effectively confirmed that reporting in his press conference today when asked if this week would be decisive.
“We shared with the coach the tactical characteristics that he is looking for, and Lookman is the perfect profile for that role.
“But he is not the only one, there are other names too, and I will not deny that we will reach a conclusion between Inter and Atalanta over the next two or three days.
“If there are the right conditions and Atalanta decide to sell, we’ll get into concrete negotiations to perhaps reach a deal. Otherwise, we will have to make a different choice.”
It was put to Marotta that Lookman is 28 years old and therefore unlikely to fit the profile of young, promising talent who can be sold on for a profit.
“It is difficult in football to win with just 11 talents, you also need character and experience. Lookman is not a player we can sell on, but he can give us an advantage with his qualities. A mix of youth and experience helps the whole squad to improve,” the Inter President added.