Inter targeting January move for Lookman alternative after coming in under budget

A bid of €45m including bonuses was rejected by Atalanta, which led to Lookman handing in a formal transfer request and deciding to return to the UK to train on his own. 

Still, a move to San Siro never materialised, and the Nigeria international remains an Atalanta player after the close of the Serie A transfer window. 

Inter decided to move in a different direction after missing out on the signing of Lookman. They opted to bring in a new central midfielder instead, Diouf, who ended up costing the club €25m including bonuses. 

As per reports from Calciomercato.com, the Nerazzurri came in around €20m-€25m under budget over the course of the summer transfer window, likely due to the decision to drop Lookman and pursue a deal for Diouf instead. 

However, those extra funds could still be utilised in the January transfer window according to Thursday’s reports. 

According to various outlets including Calciomercato and Corriere dello Sport, Inter remain keen on a deal for Lyon forward Malick Fofana in the winter transfer window. 

The Belgian is seen as an alternative option to Lookman, largely due to his dribbling ability and his eye for goal. It is understood that the additional €20m-€25m that Inter ‘saved’ during the summer transfer window could be put towards the potential signing of the Belgium international.