Why Inter could seek Koné and abandon Lookman pursuit | OneFootball

Sky Sport Italia claim that Inter could abandon the Ademola Lookman pursuit and change tack, focusing on Roma midfielder Manu Koné and a tactical adjustment instead.

The negotiations with Atalanta would appear to be at a total standstill after the €45m including add-ons proposal was rejected.

Even Lookman going AWOL from training has not put a dent in La Dea’s determination to sell the Nigerian abroad, or within Italy for a minimum of €50m.

Now Sky Sport Italia suggest Inter are looking at Plan B, which is to simply move one of their current players into that supporting role of a 3-4-2-1 formation.

Koné new alternative for Inter midfield

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 27: Matias Soule of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Manu Kone during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 27, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Anyone from Davide Frattesi to Piotr Zielinski, Petar Sucic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Nicola Zalewski could be pushed into that position instead.

Inter could therefore use the funds reserved for Lookman to reinforce a different role, specifically Roma midfielder Koné.

The 24-year-old was only signed a year ago from Borussia Monchengladbach for €18m plus €2m in potential add-ons.

He scored two goals and provided three assists in 45 competitive appearances for Roma last season, but might not be entirely suited to the tactics of new coach Gian Piero Gasperini.

The report warns this is only an idea at this stage, but might be a sign that Inter are ready to move on from the Lookman saga.