Inter hopeful of Lookman deal as Atalanta eye replacement
Ademola Lookman has become the center of a complex transfer battle involving Inter Milan, Atalanta, and Fulham from the Premier League — a situation that may also influence the destinies of Rodrigo Muniz and Mehdi Taremi, according to NigerianWatch.Inter continues to seek the acquisition of Lookman from Atalanta, while the Serie A team is simultaneously negotiating with Fulham for Brazilian forward Muniz. Concurrently, Fulham is considering Inter's striker Taremi as a possible substitute if Muniz leaves.
Sky Sport Italia reports that Atalanta has made an official offer of €40m — composed of €35m plus €5m in bonuses — to secure Muniz from Craven Cottage. The club from Bergamo is in search of a new No. 9 following the departure of Italy international Mateo Retegui to Saudi Pro League team Al-Qadsiah for €65m after only one season.
Currently in the UK, Lookman has been training individually after choosing not to rejoin Atalanta’s main squad. This decision comes after Inter's previous €45m offer was turned down, although the Nerazzurri remain optimistic.
“Right now, Inter is concentrating on Ademola Lookman. Negotiations with Atalanta have reached a standstill, but the player's wish to join the Nerazzurri could facilitate the agreement,” reported Corriere della Sera.
Individuals close to the Nigerian player maintain that he is committed to joining Inter this summer and has no intention of returning to Bergamo. Atalanta’s CEO Luca Percassi is also in the UK, but according to CalcioMercato, his visit pertains to the striker search rather than Lookman’s circumstances.
Mehdi Taremi could be the final element in this triangular situation. Iranian journalist Hatam Shiralizadeh indicates that Fulham has shown interest in acquiring the 33-year-old if Muniz moves to Atalanta.
“Mehdi Taremi has already declined offers from Botafogo and Flamengo because he prefers to stay in Europe, with a primary interest in the Premier League — particularly Fulham,” noted CalcioMercato, mentioning that he would need to accept a pay cut from his current net salary of €3m for a transfer to materialize.
Taremi signed with Inter as a free agent after leaving FC Porto last summer but is anticipated to drop down the ranks under Simone Inzaghi following the signing of Ange-Yoan Bonny, Pio Esposito's return from loan, and Inter’s interest in Lookman.
Fulham is believed to be expecting €45m for Muniz, while Atalanta is resolute in its €50m valuation for Lookman.
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