The Chief Executive Officer of Atalanta , Luca Percassi, has seemingly given the green light on the imminent departure of Nigeria International Ademola Lookman to their Serie A rival, Inter Milan.
Percassi reportedly said as much yesterday during Atalanta’s unveiling of new left-back Honest Ahanor, saying that the African Footballer of the Year ‘has been expressing a desire to leave for some time’.
He even showed the willingness that Atalanta are at the ready to let Lookman leave since ‘Inter are a friendly club’ once both parties can iron out the financial differences.
Inter’s initial bid of €40 million for Lookman was turned down by Atalanta who were demanding for €50 million from any team to prise away the fleet-footed winger.
But on Tuesday, it was reported that Inter made another proposal of reported €42 million plus €3 million in bonuses.
But pressed to discuss on Inter ‘s new proposal, Percassi was quoted as saying that Atalanta as a club would have a final say on the deal in the coming days.
“For Lookman, despite a lot of interest, there had never been anything concrete, at least not until yesterday (Tuesday) when the first official offer arrived,” Percassi reportedly told Corriere dello Sport. “I saw Marotta (Atalanta Director) yesterday at the Lega offices.
“We have a great relationship, both personally and professionally. In the coming days, we will calmly evaluate the offer we have received and then provide a response. All I can say is that the timing and value of Atalanta players leaving are decisions made solely by the club.”
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
