Former Italy and Inter Milan striker Alessandro Altobelli believes signing Super Eagles attacker Ademola Lookman from Atalanta will enhance his former club’s chances of challenging reigning Serie A champions Napoli for the Scudetto, Footynaija.com reports.
Inter Milan’s desire to secure the services of Lookman this summer is common knowledge as the 20-time Italian champions have publicly admitted their interest in making the reigning Africa Player of the Year a Nerazzurri ahead of the 25/26 season.
The 24/25 UEFA Champions League finalists have also backed up their interest in Lookman with multiple bids in an attempt to complete a deal. However, their highest bid, reported to be around €45 million, was deemed short of Atalanta’s expectations.
Inter have decided not to go any higher with their bid and are reportedly willing to walk away if Atalanta refuse to play ball. Meanwhile, La Dea, reluctant to strengthen a direct rival, are standing their ground on a €50 million valuation.
Alessandro Altobelli urges Inter to get Lookman deal done
Amidst the standoff, Alessandro Altobelli, who made 317 appearances for the Nerazzurri, scored 128 goals and won the 78/80 Scudetto has urged his former club to go all out for Ademola Lookman this summer.
The 69-year-old former striker described Lookman as the missing piece in Christian Chivu’s front line, insisting that the Nigeria international will make Inter Milan strong contenders for the Scudetto.
“Inter need that final piece up front to be competitive. And I’m obviously referring to Lookman, the man who can shake things up and allow Chivu to form a dream attacking trio,” Altobelli said in quotes revealed by Napoli Magazine.
“Lautaro is one of the top three or four strikers in Europe, a Ballon d’Or winner, a man who gives his all. But without the Goddess’ striker, they’d still lack that extra man to challenge Conte.
“Napoli have had an excellent transfer campaign, signed De Bruyne for midfield, and are complete in attack. Inter are only missing Ademola.”
What’s the latest on Ademola Lookman?
After three spectacular years of service that delivered 73 G/A as well as a Europa League triumph, Lookman was widely expected to seal a departure from Bergamo this summer.
Both club and player mutually came to this understanding but neither party envisaged that bids would only come in from Atalanta’s direct Serie A rivals.
Following Atalanta’s refusal to do business with Inter Milan, Lookman has taken several actions to register his displeasure at the current situation.
The Super Eagles star took to social media to announce that he had handed in a transfer request to Atalanta’s hierarchy but that failed to soften the Bergamo club’s stance.
He has since cleared his social media accounts of all Atalanta related posts and refused to report for training despite the 25/26 season starting in just a couple of days.