Ademola Lookman Tipped For Premier League Return After Inter Milan Move Falls Through

Ademola Lookman may be on his way back to the Premier League, as Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing the Atalanta outcast.

Why Did Ademola Lookman Not Join Inter?

The Atalanta forward looked set to be joining Cristian Chivu’s side this summer, but this move appears to have fallen through as the two sides failed to agree an appropriate fee.

Following an underwhelming season by Atalanta and claims of failed promises, the Nigerian international handed in a transfer request and attracted heavy interest from the Nerazzurri.

Inter approached their Serie A rivals with a $53 million bid, hoping to land the former RB Leipzig star in time for their Serie A opener against Torino – but this offer was swiftly rejected.

Lookman rejected offers from a host of clubs around Europe and took to social media to reveal that he had a gentleman’s agreement with the Atalanta board over a move away this summer.

Atalanta’s CEO stated that this deal was only for club’s outside of Italy and Lookman clearly took issue with this, as he refused to train with the team – missing out on every pre-season friendly so far.

The 27-year-old has now returned to Atalanta training, after Fabrizio Romano revealed that Inter have contacted the Nigerian and confirmed that they will be ending their pursuit this summer.

Interestingly, this break-down in negotiations comes as the two sides recently agreed a deal involving Nicola Zalewski, who left the San Siro to join Atalanta for around $20m.

La Dea are continuing their activity in the summer window despite the controversy surrounding Lookman, as Atalanta are battling Napoli for the signing of Rodrigo Muniz from Fulham.

The club’s financial situation has seen a huge rise after consistently finishing in European places and selling Mateo Retegui to Al-Qadsiah for around $80m.

The 2024 Europa League winners are also looking to gain another financial boost by fining Lookman a heavy sum for missing multiple training sessions and taking unauthorized absences.

Despite his return, Lookman is still on the hunt for a move away from Bergamo and the Nigerian could be on his way back to the Premier League, as Arsenal look for a Leandro Trossard replacement.

Will Ademola Lookman Join Arsenal?

The Gunners have been prolific during this summer transfer window, bringing in Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke and Christian Norgaard.

Mikel Arteta’s side also got off to a strong start in the Premier League, beating Manchester United at Old Trafford on the opening weekend thanks to a Riccardo Calafiori header.

Despite this, the Arsenal manager is reportedly looking to make another major signing before the end of the window and has targeted Lookman as a replacement for Leandro Trossard – who is set to move on in the coming days.

The red half of north London have been linked with multiple Serie A stars throughout this window, including Moise Kean, however, the Fiorentina star has now attracted interest from Napoli.

With that deal now looking unlikely, the Gunners may divert their attention to Lookman – but this would only be possible if Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli move on.

The Belgian has been linked with Aston Villa in the last 24 hours and transfer specialist, Fabrizio Romano, has revealed that this could give Arsenal an opportunity to sign the Nigerian.

Fabrizio Romano said: “For example, let’s see what happens at Arsenal. Arsenal are very happy with the squad they have right now up front. In terms of age, Lookman is probably not exactly the profile of player that Arsenal usually sign.

“But maybe if Trossard decides to leave in the final weeks, that could be an opportunity.”