Inter has set their sights on breathola lookman. Or rather, would have already protected him, if not for the fact that dealing with Atalanta is never easy.
Year after year, the Bergamo club appears to be skilled in the excavation of hidden gems, rough diamonds that are polished in stars over time and are sold for massive profit.
These funds are then intelligently re -invested with young players, which strengthens the team and guarantees financial stability. After the departure of Mateo Retegui and Matteo Ruggeri, the next two players who will probably leave Bergamo, who bring another windfall to the club, Ederson and Lookman.
The former Leicester City Forward is the top priority of Inter to strengthen their attacking line. Coach Cristian Chivu sees him as the perfect partner for Lautaro Martinez, captain of the Nerazzurri.
Lookman offers various solutions. Once mainly used as a winger, he flourished in Atalanta in several rolls: attacking midfielder, winger and striker. The figures speak volumes: 52 goals and 21 assists in 118 games.
That is almost a goal for any other game, and when you take the assists into account, his impact becomes even more striking, a clear proof of his value under Gian Piero Gasperini. It is precisely this consistent performance level that has caught the attention of Inter. Moreover, the Chivu team undergo a transformation.
Chivu and Lookman
A new project is being built under a young coach with small manage -to -do experience at the top level, but extensive pedigree on the pitch.
Chivu has the leadership to manage controversial players, but starting a new era at a club like Inter inevitable risks. That is why signing proven talent, players who can deliver from the first day, are essential. Lookman fits perfectly with that account.
Goals, assists, flair, vision, speed, finish and elite decision -making. Gasperini formed Lookman in a top artist. Inter wants to make him the basis of the Chivu era, the newest jewel polished by the Atalanta system.
The Nigeria International, for his part, wants to continue. After having left almost last season, in the midst of PSG's interest, he remained and handed in a striking campaign, which underlined his professionalism.
The CEO of Atalanta, Luca Percassi, recently confirmed the intention of Lookman to leave and acknowledged the wish of the player to one step further.
On paper, the path to Inter seems clear. But the deal is far from, Inter will have to extend further to secure it, and they will try to do this in the coming hours, perhaps while these words are written. If an agreement is reached, this would be a victory for all parties.
Atalanta would still earn a huge capital gain, LOOKMAN would have his chance to prove himself in a top European club (in recent years a Champions League finalist), and Inter would secure an important piece for their ambitious rebuilding.
Where does he fit?
So how would lookman fit in the tactic of Inter? Chivu has stated that he does not intend to trust a single formation, although Inter has played a 3-5-2 for a long time.
His vision includes three ahead, which indicates a shift in the playing style. The traditional three-man backline of the Simone Inzaghi era can make way for a smoother, attack system.
Marcus Thuram and Martinez are already pillars of the attack. Add to those dynamic options such as Nicola Zalewski, Francesco Esposito and the newly acquired Ange-Yoan Bonny, and, if signed, lookman, Inter could make a forward line that is built on unpredictability and speed.
Lookman and Bonny would probably be charged with breaking defensive lines, creating overloads and offering explosive transitions, attributes inter is currently missing in depth.
Let this deal fall over a relatively small financial difference would be a mistake for Inter, and, given the comments of Percassi, even for Atalanta. Lookman is ready; Inter must now make that last push.