A marriage that wasn't meant to happen: the transfer bombshell exploded at teatime when Atalanta slammed the door in Inter's face and—at least unofficially—declared Loockman unsellable, just when everything seemed to be going well. The happy ending was near; the player hadn't left with the team, and the evidence seemed to add up. After a long courtship, the striker's yes, and the good relations between the two clubs, as Luca Percassi once again declared a couple of days ago, the no came like a sudden storm that left everyone stunned. The decision was only partially understandable, given Retegui's departure for Saudi Arabia, a defection that has reshaped the transfer market for Inter and Atalanta, at least for now. In the end, the Bergamo club seems to be showing that they don't care who they are when it comes to protecting their project and their team from any temptation, even financial, with their sales made sparingly. Luca Percassi was clear just a couple of days ago: only Atalanta can decide. Yet, at the same time, he had once again declared and emphasized his bond and friendship with Inter and Marotta. Even after the initial shock, many doubts remain. And many believe the final word hasn't been said yet. Gossips in the football world are convinced the tug-of-war was over the offer—€43 million plus €3 million in bonuses—which they deemed inadequate. In reality, what's unclear is Atalanta's actual request for the player's transfer. President Marotta must not have taken it too well, and neither did the club. The coach was waiting for Lookman and fantasizing about a dream attacking trio of Lautaro and Thuram, while the fans were already ecstatic over a player capable of making a difference and reviving a team that's coming off bitter disappointments, plagued by tensions in the locker room, and grappling with a new era that's still difficult to get off to a flying start. Lookman was the right man in the right place, especially since the only possible destination for him was Milan. The striker is staying in Bergamo to train alone while his teammates have left for Leipzig. Lookman himself, who had said he was ready to embrace his new adventure with the Nerazzurri, is also disappointed and bitter. This is terrible news that comes as a surprise to an already strained environment and a transfer market that is also slowing down when it comes to outgoing players. The Nerazzurri fans console themselves with the fact that Dumfries is set to stay, not exactly an event to celebrate in grand style. The Bisseck deal to Crystal Palace for over €30 million has fallen through. Inter must look around, resume discussions for Giovanni Leoni, and try not to just sit back and watch. The start of the season is approaching, and Inter, Chivu's new Inter, is still nowhere to be seen. With the possible arrival of Lookman, the Nerazzurri had already been labeled the anti-Napoli team, a candidate to compete for the Scudetto and beyond. Now little or nothing seems to have changed compared to the nightmare end of the season, which is still difficult to digest.
(Unioneonline)
