Atalanta star Ademola Lookman has suffered a calf injury that could keep him out for weeks just right when Inter Milan are working hard to sign him.
Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, via SOSFanta, reports that the Nigerian forward felt sharp pain in his calf after training on Wednesday. The discomfort worsened when he tried to kick the ball, forcing the medical team to step in.
Lookman is now expected to undergo tests to determine how serious the injury is. Although early signs suggest it may not be too severe, the forward has been pulled from full team training for now.
This unexpected injury comes at a time when his future is already up in the air. Inter Milan recently submitted a €40 million bid for the 27-year-old, but Atalanta are holding out for at least €50 million. The Italian club has made it clear they will not accept less than their asking price.
Reports from Calciomercato say Inter may include Albanian midfielder Kristjan Asllani in the deal to help meet Atalanta’s demands. Inter have already reached a personal agreement with Lookman, who is eager to make the move to San Siro.
However, negotiations are still ongoing. Atalanta are believed to value the winger at €60 million for clubs within Italy. Inter’s plan now involves a possible player-plus-cash offer that could satisfy Atalanta and speed up the deal.
Lookman has enjoyed two incredible seasons with Atalanta. He scored 17 goals during the 2023/24 season and delivered a historic hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen. He followed up with 20 more goals in the 2024/25 campaign, making him one of Europe’s most wanted forwards.
Arsenal and Atletico Madrid are also keeping an eye on his situation. Atletico manager Diego Simeone sees Lookman as a strong replacement if his side loses key attackers, while Arsenal is believed to be quietly exploring a move.
Despite these options, Lookman is pushing to join Inter. He has already given his approval to the move, and new Inter coach Christian Chivu is reportedly counting on him to lead the club’s new attacking setup.
Lookman remains under contract with Atalanta until 2027, but sources say the club had previously promised him a summer move if the right offer arrived. Whether that promise still stands now that he’s injured remains to be seen.
