Inter Milan Sporting Confirms ‘We’re Interested’ In Ademola Lookman – Adds ‘Calhanoglu Never Asked To Be Sold’ | OneFootball

Piero Ausilio confirms that Inter Milan are “interested” in Ademola Lookman, and says that Hakan Calhanoglu “never asked to be sold.”

The Nerazzurri Sporting Director spoke to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews. He gave his thoughts on a number of topics related to the Nerazzurri’s transfer window.

Inter Milan have been strongly linked with Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman in the last few days.

Reportedly, the 27-year-old Nigerian international is the Nerazzurri’s main targert in attack.

The big question could be whether Inter can convince Atalanta as far as the fee. Reports suggest that they have offered €40 million, but that this is not high enough for La Dea.

Therefore, the talks between Inter and Atalanta for Lookman could certainly heat up soon.

Ausilio Confirms: “Inter Interested In Ademola Lookman”

BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 12: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta warms up prior to the Serie A match between Atalanta and AS Roma at Gewiss Stadium on May 12, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Inter Sporting Director Piero Ausilio gave his thoughts on the situation with Lookman. “We have a great relationship with Atalanta,” he said. “Based on respect and friendship.”

“We’ve spoken and told them what we expect.”

“We’re big fans of Lookman,” said Ausilio. “That’s not a secret.”

“We’d like to try to sign him. But he’s an Atalanta player. And we’ll have to work to try to reach an agreement.”

Then, the Inter Sporting Director warned that “we’re not going to have endless negotiations.”

“What matters is what Atalanta want to do.”

And as far as possible alternative targets to Lookman, Ausilio said that “You can’t be working on a bunch of different fronts, or at least that’s what we prefer.”

“If we can’t sign Lookman then we’ll work to sign other players,” he added.

Then, Ausilio admitted of Inter’s busy first few weeks of the transfer window that “I don’t know if it was a smart move for us to make so many signings.”

“Inter have already made some signings. Zalewski deserves this opportunity. Pio Esposito is a good player and will do well.”

“Everyone has stayed,” the Inter Sporting Director continued. “We know how to improve the squad.”

Inter Sporting Director Claims “Hakan Calhanoglu Never Asked To Be Sold”

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 11: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and Feyenoord at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on March 11, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Ausilio claimed that “there have never been any issues” with Hakan Calhanoglu.

“He’s never asked to leave Inter,” the Sporting Director made clear.

“We were in the US every day, along with Marotta.”

Of the rumours linking Calhanoglu with Galatasaray, Ausilio said that “it’s a part of the transfer window to read that kind of news.”

“But Inter have no intention of letting go of a top player like that.”

Ausilio Cools Giovanni Leoni Links: “Defense Not Our Priority”

MONZA, ITALY – MARCH 15: Giovanni Leoni of Parma in action during the Serie A match between Monza and Parma at U-Power Stadium on March 15, 2025 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

Then, Ausilio also downplayed links between Inter and teenage defender Giovanni Leoni.

“Leoni is a young player with great potential,” said the Nerazzurri Sporting Director.

“He’s a talented player. He’s already shown great quality, that players recognize.”

Then, Ausilio stated that “the ones who stand to benefit the most are Parma.”

He anticipated that the Gialloblu “plan to keep Leoni.”

“We’re working to improve in other areas. We have seven versatile players to play in defense. That’s not our priority.”

Meanwhile, as far as Inter’s priorities next season, Ausilio said that “A club like Inter can’t just choose which competition to focus on.”

“We have a duty to do our best in all competitions. Consistency and the desire to always do great things are what matter.”

“We’re trying to build a competitive team,” the Inter Sporting Director said.”

“Because Inter will be playing every three days, every week.”