Sacchi backs Lookman to make a difference at Inter amid transfer speculation | OneFootball

Legendary head coach Arrigo Sacchi has told the Gazzetta dello Sport that Ademola Lookman can make a difference for Inter if he joins the Nerazzurri from Atalanta, “providing he settles in quickly and integrates perfectly with the group.”

In his interview with Gazzetta, with quotes via TMW, Sacchi also described the Nigerian forward as “a phenomenal sprinter,” stating “that is the quality that [Inter] need to make the most of.”

Sacchi was also “curious” to see new Inter signing Ange-Yoan Bonny in action, describing the Frenchman as “a very unique kind of striker: selfless and a hard worker” whilst noting the former Parma man’s “need to improve in front of goal.”

BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 25: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Parma Calcio 1913 at Gewiss Stadium on May 25, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Lookman would be a ‘step forward’ for Inter – Sacchi

The former Milan head coach was asked if the Nerazzurri have made progress by potentially upgrading Arnautovic and Taremi to Bonny and Lookman, to which he said “It is definitely a step forward, no doubt.”

Finally, Sacchi was asked whether he can imagine a front three of Lookman, Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez: “Anything is possible, as long as everyone sacrifices themselves for the good of the team. In my Milan, Gullit, Van Basten, Rijkaard, Donadoni and the rest all played together.

“The key is that Chivu outlines a clear strategy and that his players stick to it without getting discouraged at the first setback. But to field a trio like that, the forwards will have to work very hard when pressing, otherwise the team will suffer.”

epa11919188 Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman celebrates after scoring the 0-4 goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match of Empoli FC against Atalanta BC, in Empoli, Italy, 23 February 2025. EPA-EFE/CLAUDIO GIOVANNINI

Lookman is currently in talks over a deal to leave Atalanta for Inter this summer. La Dea want €50 million for the former Fulham player and the Nerazzurri continue to negotiate with the club and the player’s representatives in the meantime.

Last season, Lookman scored 20 goals and registered seven assists in 40 games in all competitions for Atalanta.