Ademola Lookman To Inter Milan? Here’s What To Expect

‎Inter has finalized an agreement with Ademola Lookman, who has decided to transfer to Milan.

‎However, negotiations with Atalanta remain challenging, as the proposed fee exceeds 40 million euros.

‎Tactically, the Nigerian winger is seen as an ideal fit for one of the versatile attacking systems envisioned by manager Cristian Chivu.

‎Inter have successfully overcome the deadlock, reaching an agreement on personal terms with Lookman, who is a concrete target to strengthen the Nerazzurri’s attacking options.

‎The player, already intent on leaving Atalanta for some time, reiterated his willingness to move as soon as the interest of the Viale della Liberazione club materialised. But the negotiation promises to be anything but smooth.

‎The sticking point

‎The Bergamo club’s asking price exceeds 40 million euros a high valuation, particularly given that it involves a potential transfer to a direct Serie A rival. Outside Italy, the fee could be lower.

‎This sends a clear message from Antonio Percassi: Lookman will only depart under favorable terms, as Atalanta is not willing to strengthen a competitor without a substantial financial return.

‎Ademola Lookman’s Serie A season stats

‎Aware of the challenges, Inter has no intention of rushing the deal. Confident in the player’s agreement and his desire to join the Nerazzurri, the club’s management is prepared to continue negotiations patiently, hoping Atalanta’s stance will soften over time.

‎It’s also expected that the offer will include performance-based bonuses, aiming to meet Bergamo’s financial expectations without compromising the club’s financial stability.

‎Meanwhile, Lookman has taken a position: he wants Inter a message he has delivered clearly to his current club.

‎Is Lookman the right profile for Chivu’s Inter?

‎With Chivu now leading the Nerazzurri, Inter is preparing to evolve tactically while maintaining its identity. The emphasis on width and central concentration will stay consistent.

‎However, the most significant changes are anticipated in the attacking department.

‎During the Club World Cup in the United States, the Romanian coach offered a preview of a more fluid and dynamic attack. This included the option of flanking two second strikers around a central point, as well as deploying Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram further forward.

‎They would be connected to the midfield by a flexible trequartista, capable of moving between the lines and dictating play.

‎There is space, then, for tactical imagination. The most suggestive hypothesis is a 3-4-2-1, a module that would favour the natural positioning of Lookman on the centre-left, with the freedom to move into the centre of the pitch to attack the depth or interact with teammates.

‎In this configuration, however, one of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Davide Frattesi, or new signing Petar Sucic could lose their spot, in favour of a more unpredictable attack.

‎Alternatively, Chivu could choose a 3-4-1-2 formation, with Lookman playing the trequartista role, free to roam across the entire front line. This position demands significant tactical awareness, but it aligns well with his attributes.

‎If Chivu favors the traditional 3-5-2, Lookman would serve as a valuable rotation option, alternating with Thuram or Lautaro during the most demanding phases of the season, providing quality, speed, and diverse attacking options.

‎Valuable resource

‎The Nigerian forward is already well-versed in similar tactical situations, seamlessly fitting into the flexible trident designed by Gian Piero Gasperini. He partnered effectively with Charles De Ketelaere and Mateo Retegui to form a mobile and unpredictable attacking line.

‎Their style was based on continuous rotations, position changes, and deep runs into the opposing defense. Lookman’s combination of quality and tactical intelligence made him a central figure in Atalanta’s successful campaign.

‎The performance has been there for all to see: heavy goals, decisive assists, and match-breaking tears. Lookman not only made an impact on the scoreboard but also raised the level of the entire department.

‎At Inter, his versatility would be a significant advantage. He would take on some of the playmaking responsibilities, freeing up Lautaro and Thuram to focus more on attacking the penalty area.

‎Additionally, he would provide alternative options in the final third and bring the unpredictability necessary to make a difference in high-intensity matches.

‎Already highly sought after in Serie A, Lookman appears prepared for an even bigger stage. His potential move to Inter would represent the next step in his rapid development.

‎The main hurdle remains Atalanta’s valuation, but from a tactical perspective, the investment would be well justified and grounded in solid potential.