The truth behind Napoli’s approach for Lookman as Inter wait for Atalanta deal

Recent reports in Italy claim that Ademola Lookman has turned down an opportunity to join Napoli this transfer window, but Football Italia understands that the approach from the Partenopei had already concluded several weeks ago, which leaves the Nigeria international in the clear to join Inter. 

Napoli and Inter stances on Lookman explained

Reports from the likes of Corriere dello Sport over the weekend claimed that Napoli had joined Inter in the race to sign Lookman from Atalanta this summer, but that the 27-year-old has shown a preference to joining Inter instead. 

To clear things up, Napoli had explored a potential deal for Lookman with Atalanta in June, but Atalanta made it clear at the time that they did not want to proceed at the time, and that is where the matter ended. Since then, the talks have effectively been on hold. 

Antonio Conte is said to be a strong admirer of Lookman, even if he is more of a second striker who comes in from the left rather than a traditional winger. For Napoli, a specialist winger is the current priority on the transfer market. 

The situation leaves the ball in Inter’s court. 

Lookman has not been considering any other options, despite recent links in the press to both Napoli and Atletico Madrid. 

The player himself has decided that he only wants to join Inter this window, and is now waiting for a final agreement between the two clubs before he swaps Bergamo for San Siro.