No asking price set for Lookman: Romano reveals Atalanta took a page from Brighton's book

Transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed new details surrounding Ademola Lookman’s failed transfer to Inter Milan, explaining why Atalanta refused to set a price for the Nigerian forward despite significant interest from the Nerazzurri. 

Speaking on La Trattativa on TIM Podcast, Romano described the backstory as sensational, noting that the deal appeared close but ultimately fell apart because Atalanta maintained a firm stance throughout negotiations. 

"It seemed done, what was missing for Lookman at Inter? The agreement with Atalanta, which must be acknowledged, has always maintained its position," Romano said, as quoted by Fcinter1908.

According to the journalist, Atalanta rejected multiple approaches from Inter, even after the Milan club offered €42 million plus bonuses, a figure that could have reached €45 million. 

"For Atalanta, those 42 million plus bonuses were not enough to get to 45,” Romano explained. 

"Inter did not want to spend more also because Atalanta adopts a different strategy: the price in some cases I do not indicate. For them it was not for sale, so the price did not exist."

Romano added that Atalanta’s transfer stance mirrors that of Brighton & Hove Albion in England, which also refuses to assign fixed price tags to key players. 

"Brighton does the same. ‘Do you want Lookman? Make the offer and I say yes or no,’ the message is this,” he said.

Despite pressure from Lookman’s camp and optimism from Inter, Atalanta remained resolute, convinced that the 28-year-old’s market value exceeded the €45 million offer. 

"Surely this was the fundamental issue, there was no agreement, despite the pressure from the player and Inter's optimism, but Atalanta held its position to the end,” Romano revealed.

He aldo confirmed that Inter ultimately abandoned the pursuit at the end of July, realizing that Atalanta would not budge. 

"Inter offered 45 million at the end of July for Lookman and since then the club has never made any other offers for him, perhaps it understood that Atalanta's wall was too high."

Lookman, who joined Atalanta in 2022, has since established himself as one of Serie A’s most effective forwards, attracting interest from several top European clubs.

Wale Adejumo

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