Why this Lookman chess match cannot drag on for much longer

Ademola Lookman’s time with Atalanta is coming to an end, but so is this chess match with Inter, because they all know the solution is an offer worth €45m plus €5m in add-ons.

The situation is unusually very clear and this is why it cannot be dragged on for eternity, as everyone is on the same page.

This is where everyone stands on Lookman

Lookman has promised himself to Inter and trusts the two clubs will rapidly reach a conclusion in their negotiations.

If there are other clubs showing interest, then their current position is waiting at the window for an opening.

Inter know they need to raise their €40m offer, that if they hit the mark of €45m fixed fee plus another €5m in performance-related bonuses, then that will be enough to do a deal.

This is why the chess match will be over soon, one way or another.

Meanwhile, Atalanta are already looking to the future beyond Lookman, covering his role with Federico Chiesa, who from this morning’s interest has turned into a genuine swoop for the Liverpool winger.