Lookman may be stuck in Bergamo — Inter now eyeing Monaco’s Akliouche

By: Akinde .S. Oluwaseun

It started like a done deal. Ademola Lookman — freshly crowned African Player of the Year — looked set to leave Atalanta. Inter moved. Atalanta slapped a €50m price on him. Inter’s opening, about €45m, didn’t cut it. Gazzetta says that €50m tag is aimed mainly at foreign clubs, so La Dea stood firm. L’Equipe adds Inter have quietly asked after Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche (23, a few France caps) — problem is Monaco reportedly want nearer €70m. Inter still prefer Lookman, they insist. But with no offer to bridge the gap, the 27‑year‑old might have to remain in Bergamo. He’s missed Atalanta training since August 5, reportedly doing sessions in London after turning down Arsenal, Napoli and Atletico in favour of Inter. Lookman says he was promised he’d be sold if the right bid arrived; Atalanta’s CEO replies that promise only covered buyers from abroad. Since joining from RB Leipzig in 2022 he’s become a key figure — even netting a hat‑trick in the 2024 Europa League final. So, a standoff. Either Inter pay up, or the story ends with him staying… at least for now.