Inter Turn to RB Leipzig Star Antonio Nusa in Case Ademola Lookman Deal Falls Through Amid Atalanta Demands

Nerazzurri Keep Options Open as Atalanta Hold Firm in Ademola Lookman Negotiations

As the summer transfer window edges towards its final stretch, Inter Milan find themselves juggling high hopes and hard realities. Their pursuit of Ademola Lookman, one of Serie A’s most electric forwards last season, has hit a frustrating roadblock. Atalanta are standing firm on their valuation, Lookman is growing increasingly restless, and time is slipping away.

In the midst of this impasse, the Nerazzurri’s sporting director Piero Ausilio has done what any seasoned operator would — quietly lined up an alternative. That alternative is none other than Antonio Nusa, the 19-year-old Norwegian winger currently plying his trade at RB Leipzig.

What Happened?

According to Calciomercato, Nusa’s name emerged on Inter’s shortlist as negotiations with Atalanta dragged on. While the club’s focus remains on getting Lookman over the line, they’re mindful that in football — especially in the pressure cooker of August — deals can collapse at the final hurdle.

Lookman, who has already agreed personal terms with Inter, is waiting impatiently for the green light. But Atalanta’s demands, believed to be significantly higher than Inter’s initial offer, have led to a stalemate. The Nigerian forward has reportedly skipped training sessions and even gone public with his frustration at what he sees as an unnecessary obstacle to his dream move.

Meanwhile, Ausilio has kept channels open with Leipzig, where Nusa has been quietly impressing since his arrival in 2024. The teenager’s stock has risen sharply over the past year, and while he’s not as experienced as Lookman, his potential ceiling is enormous.

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The Bigger Picture

For Inter, this is more than just a case of swapping one name for another. Lookman is a known quantity in Serie A: quick, creative, clinical, and already embedded in the league’s tactical rhythms. Signing him would be an almost plug-and-play solution for Christian Chivu’s attacking plans.

Nusa, by contrast, represents a different kind of investment — a player with dazzling raw ability who might require time to adapt but could ultimately deliver just as much, if not more, over the long term.

Leipzig are not in the business of letting top prospects go cheaply. If Inter do make a move, they can expect to face another round of tough negotiations. Still, given Nusa’s age and upside, Ausilio might see this as a chance to secure a future star while also resolving the Lookman uncertainty.

Lookman’s Frustration Boils Over

The Nigerian winger’s standoff with Atalanta has added a layer of drama to what could otherwise have been a straightforward transfer. Sources close to Lookman claim he feels betrayed by the club’s reluctance to accept Inter’s offer, especially after he played a pivotal role in their success last season.

In an unusually candid move for a player under contract, Lookman has criticised Atalanta’s handling of the deal. His absence from training is seen by many as a clear sign that his relationship with the club may be beyond repair, whether or not the move to Inter happens.

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Did You Know?

While Nusa’s name might still be unfamiliar to casual Serie A followers, his trajectory is already impressive. After breaking into the Norway national team in 2023, he’s managed to record five goals and seven assists in just 15 appearances. For a teenager adjusting to the demands of Bundesliga football, those numbers are a strong statement.

At Leipzig, he’s been deployed in multiple attacking roles — from left wing to central forward — showcasing versatility that would appeal to a tactician like Chivu, who values fluidity in the final third.

Inter’s Transfer Balancing Act

The Nerazzurri’s situation is emblematic of the modern transfer market: balancing immediate needs with long-term planning, all while navigating rival clubs’ financial demands.

Chivu’s side, who open their Serie A campaign on August 25 against Torino, are eager to start the season with their attacking unit settled. Waiting too long for Atalanta to soften their stance risks entering September without the reinforcement they’ve targeted all summer.

Ausilio’s move to explore the Nusa option is not just a backup plan — it’s a message to Atalanta that Inter will not be held hostage by inflated demands. Whether that strategy leads to a breakthrough or a pivot remains to be seen.

Atalanta’s Perspective

From Bergamo’s point of view, this is straightforward business. Lookman is under contract, in peak form, and attracting interest from one of Italy’s biggest clubs. Why sell unless the price matches their valuation?

Atalanta have already shown this summer that they’re willing to take a hard line, having refused Inter’s first approach outright. They know replacing Lookman’s output will be difficult, especially so late in the window. Unless Inter offer something that makes both sporting and financial sense, they seem prepared to keep the player, even against his wishes.

Why Nusa Fits Inter’s Profile

Antonio Nusa might not yet have Lookman’s Serie A experience, but in some ways, that’s exactly why he’s so intriguing for Inter. The club has a long history of taking raw, exciting talents and moulding them into stars. Nusa’s pace, dribbling, and vision align well with Chivu’s preference for high-tempo, attacking football.

Furthermore, his adaptability means he could slot into multiple formations — from a 3-4-3 to a 3-5-2 — without losing effectiveness. In a league where tactical flexibility can be the difference between a title challenge and a top-four scrap, that versatility is gold.

What Next?

With less than three weeks left in the window, the clock is ticking loudly for all parties involved. Inter will continue pressing for Lookman, but they won’t hesitate to switch gears if it becomes clear Atalanta won’t compromise.

In the meantime, Leipzig will be watching closely. If Inter come calling, they’ll be ready to drive a hard bargain for Nusa, knowing that a late-window move could play into their financial favour.

For Lookman, every day without progress increases the likelihood that he’ll start the season in Bergamo — an outcome that, judging by his recent actions, would be far from ideal.

Final Thoughts

This is a transfer story with all the classic elements: a frustrated star, a stubborn selling club, a determined buyer, and a wildcard alternative waiting in the wings. Whether Antonio Nusa ends up in Milan or this saga ends with Ademola Lookman finally getting his move, one thing is certain — Inter are playing this game with both ambition and pragmatism.

In the end, it may come down to who blinks first: Atalanta lowering their demands, or Inter deciding that the Norwegian wonderkid is worth betting on right now. Either way, the next fortnight promises plenty more twists before the curtain falls on the 2025 summer transfer window.