Transfer market insider, Fabrizio Romano has shed new light on the dramatic breakdown of Ademola Lookman’s proposed transfer to Inter Milan, revealing that Atalanta flatly refused to set a price for the Nigerian forward even amid mounting pressure from all sides.

Speaking on La Trattativa via the TIM Podcast, Romano described the behind-the-scenes story as “sensational,” noting that the deal looked almost certain at one point before Atalanta’s stubborn resolve killed any chance of completion.

“It seemed done. What was missing for Lookman at Inter? The agreement with Atalanta which, to their credit, never changed its position,” Romano explained, as quoted by FcInter1908.

According to him, Inter tabled multiple offers, eventually raising their bid to €42 million plus bonuses, a package that could have touched €45 million. But even that failed to move Atalanta’s hierarchy.

“For Atalanta, those 42 million plus bonuses were not enough to reach 45,” Romano noted. “Inter didn’t want to spend more because Atalanta plays by a different rulebook, sometimes they simply don’t put a price on certain players. For them, Lookman was not for sale, so no price existed.”

Romano compared Atalanta’s hardline stance to Brighton & Hove Albion’s transfer model in England, where clubs are told to make an offer without any public valuation. “Brighton does the same,” he said. “Do you want Lookman? Make an offer and we’ll tell you yes or no, that’s their message.”

Despite heavy lobbying from Lookman’s representatives and growing optimism from Inter’s camp, Atalanta refused to blink, convinced the 28-year-old’s value was higher than the €45 million proposal.

“Surely that was the key issue,” Romano revealed. “There was no agreement, despite pressure from the player and Inter’s optimism. Atalanta stood firm to the very end.”

By late July, Inter finally gave up the chase, realizing that the Bergamo club had built a wall too high to climb. “Inter offered 45 million at the end of July for Lookman, and since then, they never returned with another bid. Perhaps they understood Atalanta would not move,” Romano added.

Lookman, who joined Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022, has since blossomed into one of Serie A’s most dangerous forwards, his consistency and flair drawing attention from several European heavyweights.