💣 Lookman-Atalanta, third break, Inter eye Chiesa as alternative 👀 | OneFootball

The Ademola Lookman saga has taken a dramatic and perhaps irreversible turn. After weeks of unresolved tensions, the third and most serious rift between the player and Atalanta has arrived.

It's no longer just a matter of discontent: Lookman has removed all references to Atalanta from his social media, publicly requested a transfer, and today did not show up for his scheduled personalized training session in Zingonia as part of his muscle recovery program.

The situation has become explosive, and Inter is watching with interest, but with caution: in the meantime, they are evaluating high-profile alternatives to avoid being left exposed.

💣 Lookman-Atalanta: Are We at the End?

The third "break" is the most severe. After completely removing Atalanta from his social media and posting a public message ("I want to leave"), he was absent without justification yesterday in Zingonia, despite being required to follow the recovery program.

The message is clear: Lookman has broken with Atalanta. The club was caught off guard: no warning, no official communication. As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Nigerian attacker was supposed to show up to continue his calf therapy, but he decided to force the issue with a dramatic move.

🧠 Atalanta's Hard Line

Despite Lookman's behavior, Atalanta does not intend to give in or back down. CEO Luca Percassi recalled that last year the player had already requested a transfer, but the club had decided to put everything off until summer 2025, with two conditions: only a top European club, not a mid-table team; never another Italian team out of respect for the fans and the club.

"Today the situation is different," Percassi admitted. But he also reiterated that "the final word belongs to Atalanta," and not to an Instagram post. A strong message, addressed not only to Lookman but also to interested clubs: whoever wants the player will have to pay well for him.

👀 Inter Watches but Evaluates Other Options

The Nerazzurri club has not remained indifferent to the situation. Lookman, already appreciated for his European performances, is a profile that is very much liked, but the contractual and character instability has raised more than one doubt in viale della Liberazione.

In parallel, therefore, Inter has decided not to tie itself to a single option and has opened the file on two top names.

🇫🇷 Nkunku as Plan B

Christopher Nkunku is a great market opportunity, but not without complications. After arriving at Chelsea with enormous expectations (60 million spent and a 6.5 million per year contract), he ended up on the fringes of Maresca's squad, also due to injuries. Now he is considered surplus.

Inter has sensed the possibility of taking the Frenchman on loan with an obligation to buy, starting from a valuation of around 35 million. A good deal considering the player's value, but the knot remains the very high salary, outside the club's parameters.

🇮🇹 Chiesa: Desire for Redemption and Return to Serie A?

The other name on Marotta's notebook is Federico Chiesa, currently at Liverpool but never truly integrated into Arne Slot's plans. After a season on the fringes, with few minutes and many physical problems, the former Juve player is seeking a relaunch.

Napoli is already active, but Inter is also studying the situation: the player's value is not too high (13 million spent by the Reds), but the 6.2 million net salary is also a burden in this case.

The solution could be a loan with part of the salary paid by the English team, a formula that also appeals to the player, eager to earn the national team jersey in view of 2026.

👀 Others Under Observation

According to Sky Sport, Nkunku and Chiesa are not the only profiles in Inter's sights in case of a failed attempt for Ademola Lookman.

The Nerazzurri club has drawn up a player profile to strengthen the attack at Cristian Chivu's disposal that also corresponds to Sancho of Chelsea, Garnacho of Manchester United, and Nusa of Leipzig.

⚖️ What Will Inter Do?

Inter finds itself facing a complex choice: to bet heavily on Lookman, hoping that the situation will unlock and Atalanta will give in at reasonable figures, or to turn to alternatives Nkunku or Chiesa.

The management wants to avoid excessive risks and will wait for the Nigerian player for only a few days, then move decisively on another target.

Everything, however, depends on a single question: will Lookman manage to convince Atalanta to let him leave for Inter?

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.

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