Ademola Lookman ignores Arsenal and maintains interest in a move to Inter Milan

Atalanta striker absent from training as Nerazzurri close in on deal

Ademola Lookman has made his intentions clear: the Atalanta forward has rejected Arsenal’s advances and is instead pushing for a summer move to Inter Milan, according to Corriere di Bergamo.

The 27-year-old Nigerian international has not trained with Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad in recent days, in what is widely seen as a tactic to accelerate negotiations with the Champions League runners-up. Lookman is understood to have already agreed personal terms with Inter, who have made him a priority target.

Atalanta hold firm on valuation

While Arsenal reportedly tabled an offer worth around £45 million (€52.9m), Lookman’s preference has rendered talks with the London club effectively dead. Atalanta remain adamant on their £43.3 million (€50m) valuation for any deal with Inter, having already turned down two previous bids.

Since arriving from RB Leipzig in 2022, Lookman has been a central figure in Bergamo, making 118 appearances and scoring 52 goals. He has featured in 31 league games in each of his two full seasons, with the current campaign marking his most prolific yet.

Premier League return on hold

A move to Arsenal would have marked Lookman’s return to England, where he previously played for Everton before joining Leipzig in 2018. Loan spells at Fulham and Leicester followed before he found stability at Atalanta.

Arsenal, who had been monitoring the forward throughout the summer, are now shifting focus to alternative targets. The club is reportedly preparing a bid for Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, while midfielder Fábio Vieira could be heading to Stuttgart. A loan move for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo is also being considered, depending on his availability later in the window.

Inter in pole position

For Inter, the pursuit of Lookman is part of a broader attacking overhaul as they aim to build on last season’s Champions League final appearance. With the player’s preference and a personal agreement already in place, the deal now hinges on whether the Nerazzurri will meet Atalanta’s asking price before the transfer deadline.