From Italy, a massive Ademola Lookman update has dropped, and it should be giving Manchester United ideas.
With Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggling, United have long been on the hunt for a reliable striker.
Interestingly, it has been claimed that the club held talks with Atalanta striker Lookman.
While nothing concrete emerged, links to the 2024 African Player of the Year have continued to pop up time and again.
More recently, it has been Inter Milan trying to block United’s path to the Atalanta forward.
Settling on Lookman as a top target, Inter have been trying to persuade their Serie A rivals to sell them the Nigerian international.
Fortunately for the Red Devils, Atalanta have not budged.
The other day, The Peoples Person relayed reports of the Bergamo side frustrating Inter over the transfer.
At the time, a €40 million (£34.9 million) bid had just been turned down, with strong suggestions that Atalanta were not keen to let their star join a league rival.
Eager to get the deal done, and having agreed personal terms with the player, an improved offer came in from the 2025 Champions League finalists.
Inter left frustrated after placing a second bid on Man United target
According to Corriere dello Sport, Inter on their improved bid, “sweetened it further—€42 million plus €3 million in bonuses—which they considered final.”
But the response they got from Atalanta, as per the Italian outlet, was baffling: “‘Thanks for your interest in one of our players’. Nerazzurri chiefs read that loud and clear—he’s not for sale. What surprised Inter most was that Atalanta refused to name a price—not before and not now.”
It could hardly be clearer: Despite promising the 27-year-old that they will honour his wish to leave (as per the Italian outlet), La Dea had no intention of doing business with the Nerazzurri.
They may be more open to offers from abroad and perhaps United will try their luck, especially with Newcastle now turning the Benjamin Sesko pursuit into a bidding war.
Whether United step in to offer Lookman the escape route he so clearly desires after stripping his Instagram of nearly every post from his time at Atalanta (given his disappointment at his club turning down Inter’s second offer), we will have to wait and see.
Sancho transfer boost amid Lookman saga
That said, the Lookman saga could end up reigniting the stalled Sancho-to-Juve transfer.
Inter may yet turn to alternatives, with a Juventus raid mooted.
Corriere dello Sport also claims, “There could also be developments regarding the wingers: everything hinges on Nico Gonzalez. The Argentine’s departure could reopen the door to Sancho, currently closed by the former Viola player.
“Nico is admired by Inter and Atalanta—either as an alternative or a replacement for Lookman—but above all by Atlético Madrid, who are also considering Raspadori.”
Whether United hijack the Lookman deal or not, the Gonzalez update should give INEOS hope.
If Inter fail to sign Lookman, they may go for Gonzalez. If Atalanta lose the former Fulham man, they may turn to the Juventus winger.
With the Bianconeri needing to offload a player before finalising the Sancho deal, it could be González in, Sancho out.
That would be a win for INEOS (whether Lookman joins or not) as they remain keen to move the winger on.
Featured image Gabriele Maltinti via Getty Images
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Daniel Onguko
Since Dan was introduced to Manchester United in 2008, he has lived and breathed the club. What started as being a fan evolved into writing about United, allowing him to feel part of their journey. Hopefully, his work might even help rekindle your love for the kings of Manchester.
