Inter's Lookman offer revealed as Atalanta ask for Pio Esposito
According to reports from SkySport, Inter are refusing to increase their €40 million bid for the former Fulham player, as they look to use the player's desire to join the club as leverage in negotiations.
Meanwhile, Sky are also reporting that in the negotiations, Atalanta enquired about Inter starlet Francesco Pio Esposito. However, Inter consider the young forward to be irreplaceable and responded to La Dea's interest with a firm 'no'.
Lookman stalemate has potential to drag on
Despite Inter readying a €4 million annual salary for the player, Atalanta's refusal to budge over their €50 million valuation of the player may prove an obstacle in any deal.
Cristian Chivu's Nerazzurri side are adamant that they believe €40 million is a fair valuation of the player but the Bergamo side will likely take some convincing.
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Inter Milan submit improved offer for Atalanta striker Lookman
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Sarina Wiegman, Burna Boy and how England celebrated becoming proper football royalty (again)
The ever-so-serene Sarina Wiegman, who in football rules with her head, not her heart, is not usually emotional. But when Chloe Kelly dispatched her penalty to crown England European Champions for the second time, the Dutch head coach screamed 'Chloe!', hugged the winger and kissed her on the cheek. Pure unbridled joy. Advertisement When Wiegman's favourite artist Burna Boy entered the stage in front of Buckingham Palace at the Lionesses' homecoming on Tuesday, her jaw dropped in shock. 'Oh, no way!' she shouted into the microphone. The England boss rapped with the Grammy-winning Nigerian artist, nailing every word in 'For My Hand', her most listened to song in 2023. They danced together, holding each other so tight, so tight, as the lyrics go, in front of 65,000 people lining the Mall and millions watching on live television. 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Italian Journalist Delivers Huge Update On Ongoing Transfer Saga Involving Inter Milan & Atalanta Star: 'He Wants Inter'
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