Inter Milan President Marotta Urges Caution On Lookman Rumours: ‘There's A Whole Month To Go In The Transfer Window'

Yahoo

21 hours ago

Inter Milan President Beppe Marotta is not pouring fuel on the fire of links with Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman.
The Nerazzurri President addressed the transfer rumours in Inter's preseason press conference, as reported by FCInterNews. He stressed that 'there's a whole month left to go' in the window.
Inter Milan have made Atalanta's Ademola Lookman their priority target.
The Nerazzurri made an offer of €40 million for the Nigerian earlier this month. However, Atalanta rejected this initial bid – giving Inter a counteroffer of €50 million.
However, that has not deterred Inter. Far from it – they are aiming to return with another offer very soon.
Or at least, that is what reports have suggested in the last couple weeks.
Inter President Marotta Urges Caution On Ademola Lookman Links
VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Giuseppe Marotta of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Verona and FC Internazionale at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 23, 2024 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by)
Inter Milan President Beppe Marotta noted that 'there's still a whole month left to go in the transfer window.'
'I make no secret of the fact that I think Lookman is a great player,' he hinted coyly. 'Both from the recommendation of our scouting teach and also the coach.'
'He's certainly not a player we're just discovering now. I think he's a player on the radar of every big club, not just in Italy, but in Europe.'
'But he's still an Atalanta player right now,' Marotta made clear of Lookman.
'We have the utmost respect for Atalanta. And we'd be remiss if we were to interfere with them.'
The Inter President made clear that 'we have a great relationship with the Percassi family and the new ownership.'
'I won't deny that I've exchanged some words with Luca Percassi,' Marotta once again hinted at the talks for Lookman.
'And that's part of how it goes, I think. You always raise the bar.'
'You can't be afraid to ask about good players,' he hinted. 'So that's what I can tell you.'
'But it's premature to know what will end up happening. However, he's one of the players on the shortlist of the directors, Ausilio, Baccin, myself, and the ownership. That's true.'
This Week 'Could Be Decisive' for Lookman – But Inter 'Are Looking At Other Names'
BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 25: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Parma Calcio 1913 at Gewiss Stadium on May 25, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by)
Asked if this week could be decisive for Inter's pursuit of , Marotta replied 'yes, certainly.'
'Because the coach and I are sharing the search for players with a certain versatility, and who can allow him to play with a new system and formation.'
'So clearly, he has a profile that suits that model. But he's not the only one.'
Marotta stated that Inter 'are looking at other names.'
'And I don't deny that within 2-3 days, we'll reach a conclusion to the talks between Inter and Atalanta.'
'If the conditions are right and Atalanta are ready to sell him, obviously we'll try to start concrete negotiations and maybe wrap up a deal.'
'Otherwise, it will be someone else,' Marotta said.
Then, the Inter President spoke about the fact that Lookman, who turns 28 in the autumn, isn't exactly a young player like the club have mostly been trying to sign.
'We all agree that, in football, you rarely win just with eleven talented players,' he said.
'Along with talent, you need experience. And you need very strong character.'
Marotta conceded that 'Lookman isn't a player you can sell on for a profit.'
'But he can give us the edge with his quality. He's not a player that I've just discovered, but a good player can also help the young players around him develop.'
'A mixture of younger and more experienced players adds value to the squad,' Marotta declared.