Italian Journalist Reveals ‘Atalanta Are In Complete Chaos' Over Lookman To Inter Milan Transfer Saga

Yahoo

4 days ago

Corriere dello Sport editor Ivan Zazzaroni writes that Atalanta are in 'complete chaos' over the transfer saga with Inter Milan and Ademola Lookman.
Zazzaroni took to Instagram to detail the behind-the-scenes drama after La Dea rejected a second Inter bid for the 27-year-old yesterday. He reports that there was another phone call between the clubs.
Yesterday, Atalanta gave their response to Inter's second offer for Ademola Lookman.
Having already turned down a bid of €40 million for the Nigerian, the Bergamo club also rejected Inter's second offer of €42 million plus €3 million in add-ons.
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This did not go down well with Inter, of course. But in particular, the response from Atalanta infuriated Lookman, who removed all mention of Atalanta from his social media. Including pictures in an Atalanta kit.
Now, the question is where this transfer saga will go next. It is clear that it has already blown up into a true summer soap opera.
Zazzaroni Reveals: 'Marotta & Percassi Spoke Yesterday Afternoon'
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)
Corriere dello Sport editor Ivan Zazzaroni was the person who first broke the news of Inter's interest in Lookman last month.
Zazzaroni notes that after yesterday's rejection, Lookman 'immediately removed his photo from his Instagram. Along with the words 'footballer for Atalanta' and all photos linked with Atalanta.'
'Ademola Lookman only kept references to the Nigerian national team.'
'He reacted with guts to Percassi's refusal to accept Inter's offer,' Zazzaroni writes.
'Moments beforehand, Marotta had interpreted Atalanta's email as a kind of confirmation that the player is unsellable.'
'This is because Percassi hadn't given him a price tag to base an offer on,' Zazzaroni explained.
'Only later did it become clear that Atalanta had simply rejected the €45 million offer.'
Then, Zazzaroni notes that 'there was a phone call late in the afternoon between Marotta and Percassi.'
'The former was seeking clarification on the actual price tag. But the latter was unsure of what to say.'
'And so the summer soap opera continues,' the Corriere dello Sport editor adds.
Zazzaroni: 'Atalanta Are In Chaos' Over Inter Lookman Saga
BERGAMO, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and SSC Napoli at Gewiss Stadium on January 18, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by)
'Previous episodes of the Lookman saga: Ademola, who turns 28 in October, under contract until 2027, wants Inter. He appeals to a promise made to him a year ago.'
'This was a prerequisite for an offer of €35-40 million.'
'Inter want the player,' Zazzaroni goes on. 'Starting with a €40 million. Rising to €45 million, and seemingly willing to make another offer.'
'But they demand a ballpark figure, which Percassi refuses to provide.'
Zazzaroni notes that 'Atalanta re in the worst possible situation.'
'They fear a further weakening of the team after the departures of Gasperini and Retegui. And therefore they're struggling to find a solution.'
'There's no betrayal,' Zazzaroni cautions. 'But a rift, nevertheless.'
'And that's all that's certain at the moment. Because of social media, the anger can't be denied any longer, nor the player's will ignored.'
'We're heading into complete chaos,' Zazzaroni concludes.