More details are emerging on the new Milan offer for Ardon Jashari that convinced Club Brugge, namely €33.5m plus €2m of easy to achieve bonuses and €2.5m that are tougher to activate.

The first to report a breakthrough this evening in the long-standing negotiations was Belgian transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri.

He was quickly followed by Daniele Longo, who has come up with more precise details of what changed in the offer.

How Milan and Jashari broke Club Brugge resistance

It must be noted that it is not just the new Milan terms, but also the added pressure from Jashari, who asked to be released for this transfer to San Siro.

The latest bid had been turned down at €32.5m plus €5.5m in add-ons to reach a total of €38m.

According to Calciomercato.com Milan transfer pundit Longo, the new offer put forward today is a fixed fee of €33.5m.

Another €2m is guaranteed as long as the Rossoneri qualify for the Champions League just once in the next five seasons.

There are also a further €2.5m in bonuses that are harder to activate.

Gian Piero Gasperini reveals how he is trying to improve Artem Dovbyk ‘weaknesses’ and the players Roma still need to bring in this summer. ‘The teams with the best strikers are the most competitive.’

They are on a pre-season tour in the UK and training at St. George’s Park ahead of friendly matches against Aston Villa on August 6 and then Everton on August 9.

“We are now into the final phase of preparation and this is the ideal place because of the weather, so we also have some good tests coming up,” Gasperini told reporters.

This is a brand new project with a radically different style of football, but also a big change for him too after nine years of working with Atalanta.

“A few roles need to be filled, but the team is taking shape. A lot will depend on how strong we are in attack and that can determine the strength of the squad. It’s not just true for us, but for all teams, you see that the biggest investments are made on the forwards. The teams with the best strikers are the most competitive.”

Gasperini revamping Roma to fit his football

Roma already have some big names upfront, although Paulo Dybala is still recovering from a serious injury, while Dovbyk has struggled in his first Serie A season.

“Dybala is with us going through his personalised training schedule, but we hope next week he can return to working with the squad. Dovbyk was a big investment, he scored goals and showed he is a valuable centre-forward,” said Gasperini.

“We are working to improve some of his weaknesses, like his ability to link up with the rest of the team. He mustn’t be too early or too late, so it’s like music, if you have the wrong tempo, it becomes a problem.”

Roma have already brought in several new faces this summer, including Flamengo wingback Wesley, who had already been targeted by Gasperini at his old club.

“He is a player who was in Roma’s sights, and I knew him well because Atalanta had practically done a deal last year, then it all fell apart at the last minute. Wesley was not a specific request of mine, but a profile that the club was already tracking, as he is a Brazil international and has real margin for improvement. If he had already been a complete player, he’d have cost a lot more.”

Daniele Ghilardi was snapped up from Hellas Verona for over €10m plus add-ons to reinforce the defence, which is now consolidated with a three-man structure.

“He is one of the profiles that Roma were looking for and one of the reasons why I was called here,” explained Gasperini.

“The club needs to work and grow with young players, creating a squad that can become stronger over time. The lads are eager to have a great season.”

Among the roles that still need to be filled is that of trequartista, a creative midfielder who can sit behind the striker.

“We are almost complete, but are a bit stretched thin in some areas, so we need more players, because not everyone can take part in 50 games.”

Hundreds of Milan fans crowded in the street to see new signing Luka Modric, who threw his shirt down to the supporters.

The midfielder held his presentation press conference this afternoon and you can read his comments here.

After that, he was taken to the club’s flagship store in Via Dante to meet the fans, and they turned up in their droves.

They packed out the street below the window and sang the Croatian’s name as they waited for him to pop his head out of the window.

He held up his Number 14 jersey and threw out a few of them to the waiting crowd before stepping down to meet some of them in person, sign autographs and pose for selfies.

Milan fans give Modric a memorable reception

𝐋𝐮𝐤𝐚. 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐜. 𝟏𝟒. 𝐀𝐂. 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧.

Alberto Mangili per https://t.co/jlTDBgF49e#Milan #milanpress pic.twitter.com/hO3RwSj9JE

— MilanPress.it (@MilanPress_it) August 4, 2025

𝗕𝗔𝗚𝗡𝗢 𝗗𝗜 𝗙𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗔 𝗣𝗘𝗥 𝗠𝗢𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗖

Store del Milan preso d’assalto dai tifosi rossoneri per incontrare il campione croato pic.twitter.com/Eux0oUOHpW

— MilanNews.it (@MilanNewsit) August 4, 2025

#Modric14 pic.twitter.com/HsfktOpxmp

— Daniele Longo (@86_longo) August 4, 2025

𝗜𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗶 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗼 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲: 𝗟𝘂𝗸𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮 𝗶 𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗼𝘀𝗶 𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗮 𝗳𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗳𝗶

Alberto Mangili per https://t.co/jlTDBgF49e#Modric #Milan #milanpress pic.twitter.com/YYOKHZjYrj

— MilanPress.it (@MilanPress_it) August 4, 2025

The latest chapter in the Ademola Lookman row with Atalanta saw him fail to attend training today, as he tries to force through the transfer to Inter.

The rapport between the player and his club has hit rock bottom and the situation seems to be at a breaking point.

According to multiple sources, Lookman was expected at the Zingonia training ground today for pre-season commitments, but was nowhere to be seen.

Lookman has declared war on Atalanta

It comes after he published a long statement on Instagram accusing Atalanta of “broken promises” and confirming he had handed in a formal transfer request.

La Dea responded in the form of CEO Luca Percassi, who insisted that while they had promised to sell him this summer if a suitable offer arrived, it was to a club outside of Italy, not their Serie A direct competitors Inter.

Now this refusal to attend training will further bring matters to a head, as Inter hope they can convince Atalanta by increasing their proposal of €42m plus €3m in add-ons.

This gesture just makes it clear how aggressive the action taken by Lookman is becoming, and it remains to be seen how his club will respond.

The 27-year-old is under contract until June 2027.

Luka Modric reveals why he has supported Milan since childhood and hopes to follow in Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s footsteps. ‘We mustn’t be content just with qualifying for the Champions League.’

The veteran midfielder turns 40 next month, but after 13 years at Real Madrid where he won it all including the Ballon d’Or, he wanted one last challenge.

It was also a childhood dream come true, having supported the Rossoneri since becoming enamoured with the style of his Croatian hero Zvonimir Boban.

“I grew up watching Italian football and Milan was my favourite team in Italy, especially as they had my idol Boban, so I always had a particular affection for the Rossoneri,” he revealed in his presentation press conference.

“I used to talk to Boban about Milan whenever we met up. I saw Zlatan Ibrahimovic, while Carlo Ancelotti also spoke highly about Milan. I always had this very positive impression of the club and its fans. The welcome I received was remarkable.”

He signed a one-year contract with an option to extend to June 2027.

Modric supported AC Milan since childhood

This event was delayed because he had to finish his Real Madrid commitments in the FIFA Club World Cup, then go on a three week vacation before starting pre-season training today.

“We remember Milan as one of the best teams in the world. We mustn’t be content just with a mediocre season or qualifying for the Champions League.

“That is my vision of Milan, but we must also be humble, work hard to get the team back to the highest level. I am very competitive and I want to bring this to the team.

“The minimum objective is to qualify for the Champions League, but Milan must also fight to win trophies. It is my objective, and must be for anyone who works at Milan.”

They finished last term with a trophy, the Supercoppa Italiana, but lost the Coppa Italia Final to Bologna and failed to qualify for any UEFA tournament.

This will at least give new coach Max Allegri time to work with his players in training throughout the week and focus all their energy on Serie A.

“I can offer my experience. I will work hard, give my all and try to do the same things that I did elsewhere,” continued Modric.

“I know there are big expectations around me, but I am ready for that. I cannot wait to start this challenge. I watch a lot of Serie A, also because there are so many Croatian players, and I always enjoyed Italian football. It is very competitive and getting back to the era where it was the best tournament in the world.

“The teams are really well-organised and this makes it different to LaLiga. I must adapt quickly to this style of football. I can’t wait to get to meet Allegri, he is one of the best coaches in the world, a winner.”

Milan director of sport Igli Tare flew to Croatia in order to personally present the project to Modric, a gesture that further intrigued him.

“It was a very easy choice once Tare called and when he came to Croatia, it showed how much Milan really believed I could still perform at the highest level. That was a turning point for me,” confessed the player.

“I needed time to talk to my family, but in my heart I already knew this was the best choice. I saw the faith they had in me.”

Although Modric turns 40 in September, the last player of that age to represent Milan was Ibrahimovic, and he won the Scudetto.

“I hope something similar can happen, I’d be very happy,” he replied.

Among the highlights for a dismal campaign last year was a Champions League victory away to Real Madrid.

“Clearly, last season did not go well for Milan, but that is in the past now. We must work hard and look to the future with confidence. If Milan play the way they did at the Bernabeu last season, we must understand why they couldn’t always play like that. It means the level of quality is high and we need to keep it like that constantly.”

Ivan Rakitic wrote on social media that Milan are ‘so lucky to have’ Modric, but the Croatian legend feels differently.

“I am lucky to be part of this enormous club like Milan, and I take nothing for granted. I do not see myself as someone special, I am just a normal guy who likes to play football and am fortunate enough to play for a big club like Milan.

“I can’t wait to start this new adventure, I am fired up and hope it can go along with my expectations. It is a great sensation to be able to help the team, but one player cannot do anything by himself, no matter what his name is. We must create a team, within which the individuals can give their best,” concluded Modric.

Newcastle United have reportedly resumed their pursuit of Malick Thiaw, but face two further hurdles from Milan, including a Premier League price hike.

It has been a rather difficult summer for the defender, who already rejected a transfer that had been agreed with Como, then seemed uninterested in the Magpies either.

He was determined to either remain and fight for his place under new coach Max Allegri at San Siro, or return to the Bundesliga.

Thiaw back on Newcastle United radar

Now transfer pundit Matteo Moretto claims via Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube channel that Newcastle United are back asking after his availability.

There are two big problems that have developed since the first approach, though.

The first is that Thiaw has impressed Allegri during pre-season training and Milan are not quite as eager to sell as they had been previously.

The other, as pointed out by MilanNews, is that Premier League clubs have a reputation for spending big and therefore the asking price is boosted when doing business with them.

It means the €25m offer from Como that had been accepted by the Rossoneri, but not by the player, is no longer sufficient.

If Newcastle United want to do a deal, they are going to have to pay around €35m instead.

That money could then be used to reinvest in Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni, who would cost around €40m.

Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi has confirmed that the club have an agreement to allow Ademola Lookman to leave this summer, but not for teams within Serie A, which further complicates proceedings with Inter, who had a reasonable bid for the Nigeria international rejected last week. 

Lookman has come to blows with Atalanta after seeing an offer of €45m including bonuses from Inter turned down by his current employers. 

The 27-year-old has since posted a long statement on Instagram, claiming that there was an agreement to allow him to leave this summer, and accusing the club of treating him poorly “as a human being and as a professional footballer.” 

• Read more: How Lookman came to blows with Atalanta

Lookman has also confirmed that he has submitted a formal transfer request in an attempt to leave Atalanta. 

Percassi confirms: Two conditions for Lookman to leave Atalanta

Dea CEO Percassi has since had an opportunity to share his version of events while speaking to the media at the introductory press conference for new Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Sportiello. 

Percassi told the press that there is an agreement to let Lookman leave this summer, but with two important conditions: First being that it is to a ‘top’ European club, and the second being that that club is outside Serie A. 

“It’s a good opportunity to clarify what happened,” Percassi told the media, via TMW. 

“Last year, after a 20 million offer from PSG, the player had asked us to be sold. 

“Atalanta, being a credible club, had promised to sell the player this window based on two conditions that he himself had asked of us: First, to go to a super, top European club, and that he would never be seen in Italy wearing a shirt other than Atalanta’s, given what he did for the club and what he received from the club.

“Today, as you know, the situation is very different. The club is always careful when evaluating the value and timing of its players, but as always, it is Atalanta, the club, that decides.” 

Monday’s front pages described the relationship between Atalanta and Ademola Lookman as ‘completely ruptured’ following the 27-year-old’s decision to hand in a transfer request and to release a damning statement on his treatment by the club on social media, but how and why has the situation got to this stage and what happens next for the African Player of the Year? 

What happened with Lookman and Atalanta? 

Lookman has been subject of transfer interest from 2025 Champions League finalists Inter, who have recently seen a bid of €45m including bonuses turned down by Atalanta. La Dea, meanwhile, have stood firm with their valuation of €50m.

After seeing Inter’s most recent bid turned down, Lookman took to Instagram to release a statement sharing his version of events and explaining why he has decided to submit a formal transfer request. 

The former Fulham, Leicester, Everton and RB Leipzig forward believes that “it is the right time to move on and experience a new adventure,” but has accused Atalanta of “blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand.” 

He went on to suggest that there have been “many months of broken promises,” and that he has received “poor treatment both as a human being and as a professional footballer.” 

Why is Lookman so frustrated at Atalanta? 

Despite impressing in the early stages of his career with Charlton Athletic, before going on to score against Manchester City on his Premier League debut with Everton, it took Lookman a while to get settled at senior level. 

His early 20s were spent in-and-out of the first-team picture with Everton and later RB Leipzig, and they had to settle for a series of loan moves to Fulham and then Leicester City. 

That is before Atalanta took a punt for a fee of around €15m in 2022. He has since gone on to provide 23 goal involvements from 33 appearances in his first season, 27 from 45 in 2023-24, which included an historic hat-trick in the Europa League final, and then another 27 goal involvements in the season just gone. 

• Read more: Forget Europa League glory, it’s never been easy for Lookman

Having helped Atalanta to their first ever European silverware, and providing a reliable source of goals and creativity over the last few years, it is no wonder that the Nigeria international has attracted interest over the past two summers. 

And, at the age of 27, this may be the final opportunity for Lookman to secure a ‘big’ contract at one of Europe’s biggest clubs. 

Last summer, it was Paris Saint-Germain who had stepped forwards with a proposal. Atalanta were left furious, however, as PSG reportedly approached the player first, rather than the club. 

Despite the fact that Lookman had agreed personal terms with the Parisians, a move never materialised, which led to a delicate relationship between the player, club and coach in the first part of the 2024-25 campaign. 

Now, one year down the line, it is Inter who are making attempts to sign Lookman from Atalanta. 

This summer, La Dea are seeking a fee of €50m. Inter’s most recent bid came to €42m with €3m in bonuses, which was turned down. This is what led to Lookman’s outburst on social media over the weekend. 

In his recent Instagram post, Lookman claimed that there was an agreement that Atalanta would allow him to move on if an appropriate offer came in. He clearly feels that the €45m bid from Inter was reasonable, and is now bemused as to why the offer was rejected. 

It remains to be seen what the next steps are for the club or for the player.

Luka Modric is set to arrive in Milan on Monday and begin his first contractual obligations as a new Rossoneri player following his departure from Real Madrid after 13 years earlier this summer. 

When will Modric begin life with Milan?

The veteran midfielder has signed a one-year contract with Milan, but has not yet teamed up with the rest of Massimiliano Allegri’s squad, as he was given an extended break following Real Madrid’s run to the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final in July. 

As per Gianluca Di Marzio, Modric is expected to arrive in Milan on Monday, and as reported over the weekend, the 39-year-old is due to speak to the press later in the afternoon, at around 17.00 local time (16.00 BST). 

Modric is then expected to head to the flagship Milan store on Via Dante once his press conference is complete. There, he will take some pictures and is expected to be greeted by a large crowd of supporters. 

Modric is then expected to begin his first physical tests as a Milan player on Tuesday morning at the club’s training ground. Then, in the afternoon, he is set to join in with first-team training for the first time. 

Allegri has given the Milan players three days off following their pre-season tour of Asia and Australia, which resulted in a 1-0 loss against Arsenal, an encouraging 4-2 win over Premier League champions Liverpool and a 9-0 hammering of Perth Glory in Australia. 

The Rossoneri have two more pre-season friendlies in their calendar, scheduled for this coming weekend against Leeds United in Dublin and then against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. 

The season proper will get underway with a Coppa Italia first round clash at home against Bari on August 17, and then comes a the first Serie A match of the season against newly-promoted Cremonese on August 24.

Monday’s reports claim that Juventus are interested in pursuing a deal for Girona right-back Arnau Martinez, who has also been linked with Premier League side Crystal Palace, as the Bianconeri look for a new wide player to replace the outgoing Timothy Weah. 

According to reports from various outlets, including Tuttosport, Juventus are keen on a deal for versatile 22-year-old defender Martinez, who is capable of playing as a right-back in a back four, at wing-back and on the right of a back three if required. 

Martinez, who spent six years on Barcelona’s books as a youngster, could be allowed to leave his current club, Girona, this summer. He currently has two years remaining on his contract, which runs until 2027. 

Juventus looking at deal for Girona’s Martinez

Monday’s reports claim that a bid in the region of €10m-€12m could be enough to get a deal done. 

Tuttosport claims that Martinez had also been of interest to Milan this transfer window, but the Rossoneri now appear to be closing in on an agreement with Young Boys for Swiss full-back Zachary Athekame instead.

Juventus have already brought in a new right-back in Joao Mario this summer, but Igor Tudor is short on options at full-back, particularly on the right hand side. 

Juve will be one option shorter at full-back once Timothy Weah completes his move to Olympique de Marseille. Reports over the weekend claimed that there is now an agreement in place over a loan deal with an obligation to buy for a total cost of around €18m.

Atalanta supporters have responded to Ademola Lookman’s attempt to force a move away from the club with a strong message displayed on a banner that has been erected near to the team’s training ground. 

Nigeria international Lookman has formally submitted a transfer request in an attempt to force through a move to Inter. 

The reigning African Player of the Year also sent out a long and damning Instagram post on Sunday, accusing Atalanta of breaking promises and insisting that he ‘doesn’t understand’ why the club are refusing to sell him. 

Atalanta supporters respond to Lookman transfer request

Inter had recently seen a bid of €45m, which included a guaranteed fixed fee of €42m, rejected by Atalanta, who have been holding out for their asking price of €50m. La Dea are in no rush to sell and have no immediate need to raise funds following the profitable sale of Mateo Retegui to Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah. 

Atalanta supporters have since had their say on the matter. Some fans elected to erect a banner near to the club’s training ground not long after Lookman’s Instagram post went online, reading: “Enough now. Shameful agents and ungrateful players. Respect the supporters who gave you value.” 

The banner was reportedly organised and put up by the Ultras group ‘Forever Atalanta until the end’.

Questo lo striscione esposto a Zingonia fuori dal centro sportivo dell'#Atalanta del gruppo ultras 'Forever Atalanta until the end' riguardo la situazione #Lookman–#Inter pic.twitter.com/L4IJa01FEQ

— Alessandro Giovanni Pagliarini (@APaglia7) August 3, 2025

Juventus defender Gleison Bremer has shared his opinion on teammates Dusan Vlahovic and Douglas Luiz, who have both been strongly linked with move away from the Allianz Stadium this summer, and has also revealed who is the toughest player that he has gone up against in his career to date. 

The Brazilian defender marked his return from a nine-month injury lay-off during Juve’s recent 2-2 draw with Reggiana in a pre-season friendly over the weekend. He had missed the vast majority of the 2024-25 campaign with a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. 

With a lengthy spell on the treatment table now behind him, the 28-year-old has been dubbed ‘a new signing’ for the Bianconeri heading into the 2025-26 campaign under Igor Tudor. 

Bremer on injury return and 2025-26 predictions 

Bremer sat down for an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, published on Monday, during which he spoke about his recovery period, and also gave his current verdict on Juventus and some of their wantaway first-team players. 

“It was a wonderful feeling after so many months of hard work and sacrifice,” Bremer told La Gazzetta dello Sport about his recent return from injury. 

“I felt at ease. Obviously I’m still missing a bit physically, but I’m on the right path. I felt a bit scared initially, I think that’s normal, but that went away after the first tackles. It’s better when you don’t think about it. 

“Now my goal is to play in the next three friendlies to get in the best possible condition.”

Bremer also gave his predictions for the 2025-26 Scudetto fight: “A battle between the usual four,” he told Gazzetta. 

“Napoli start as the favourites because they won the last Scudetto and have strengthened in the transfer window. Inter remain a very good team. There’s Milan, who have Allegri and only the league to think about. And of course, there’s also Juventus.” 

Bremer gives verdict on Vlahovic and Douglas Luiz 

Compatriot Douglas Luiz failed to report for the first day of Juventus’s pre-season training camp this summer, and is now close to sealing a return to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest. 

“Douglas made his choice,” Bremer said on the matter. 

“The important thing is that he came back and apologised to the club, to the coach and to us teammates. Now he’s here and working hard.” 

Bremer went on to give a positive review of teammate Vlahovic, who has also been linked with a move away from Juventus this summer. 

“Dusan is a very positive guy and always sets himself very high goals. I sincerely hope that in the end Vlahovic stays here to help us. 

“These are personal choices. It’s his decision. I just hope it is the best for Juventus and for him.” 

Juventus are currently in Germany to continue their pre-season preparations and head coach Igor Tudor has reportedly tested two different systems ahead of an upcoming friendly against Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund. 

The Bianconeri have two more pre-season friendlies on their fixture list ahead of their Serie A opener against Parma on August 24, firstly against Bundesliga giants Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park on Sunday, and then against Atalanta in Bergamo the following weekend. 

According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Tudor has tested two different formations during the early sessions of the team’s training camp in Germany. 

How Tudor lined Juventus up in pre-season training camp

First is the 3-4-2-1 that Tudor typically employed during his first few months in charge at the back end of the 2024-25 season, and second was a slightly different set-up, in a 4-2-3-1, similar to how Thiago Motta used to line up before his dismissal last season. 

Both systems have seen summer signing Jonathan David start as the sole centre-forward. The 4-2-3-1 saw Kenan Yildiz star in his preferred role as the ‘no.10’, with room for the likes of Francisco Conceicao and Teun Koopmeiners to play in supporting trequartista roles either side of him. 

The 4-2-3-1 also allows Andrea Cambiaso and new recruit Joao Mario to play in their natural positions at full-back. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport

‘Scudetto, Juve is there’ 

Interview with Bremer 

Advising Neymar to finish here with me 

Returning more nasty, Yildiz is our Yamal 

Weah to Marseille, 18 million for the market 

Lookman sticks his elbow in 

Final sprint 

‘Treated badly, I’m leaving’ 

Atalanta problem, Inter waiting 

Baresi’s battle 

The Milan legend battles illness 

Corriere dello Sport

‘Free me’ 

Lookman: Only Inter 

‘Treated badly: I want to leave Atalanta’

Accuses La Dea: ‘Months of broken promises, I am loyal’

Tough message from Ademola on Instagram ‘There was an agreement, let me go for a fair offer: It arrived, but the club are blocking this opportunity. I don’t understand why’

Juventus account: 106 million 

That’s the figure spent on redeeming five players 

The Bianconeri have only bought in David for free and Joao Mario for 12.6 million, but are in the top 10 squads in the world by investment over the last two years 

Napoli, De Bruyne is the light 

KO against Brest (1-2) 

Milan between Jashari and Athekame 

Duel meetings with Brugge and Young Boys

Roma, table for three 

Echeverri threatens Nene, and Fabio Silva: What a sprint 

Tuttosport 

‘Everything changes now’ 

Bremer as Juve leader 

‘How great to be back: I was afraid on the pitch, after the first tackles, it was over. Yes, last year was lacking in a bit of leadership, but it will be different now. And Tudor helps that’. Marseille await Weah: Advancing for Martinez from Girona 

Franco Baresi: Forza! Not just Milan with you

The ‘Kaiser’ operated on for a pulmonary nodule

The whole football world is with the honorary Rossonero vice-President. ‘It’s going to take me a little while to get back on form’

Simeone: Preparing for the Toro-Napoli meeting 

New contacts: Cholito has already given his ‘yes’ to the Granata

Total rupture between Lookman and Atalanta 

‘Why aren’t you selling me?’ 

‘I’ve given everything here, also as a person. Broken promises’. The Dea supporters ‘betrayed’. Inter wait for him 

Milan have reportedly set a deadline of Monday to reach a breakthrough with Club Brugge for Ardon Jashari or turn to Valencia’s Javi Guerra instead.

The Rossoneri feel they have reached their maximum bid of €38m including add-ons, but the Belgians continue to demand more.

The player himself is determined to come to San Siro and insists Club Brugge had promised to let him leave if there was a proposal worth €32.5m plus bonuses.

He has now requested a meeting with his bosses to force through the transfer, but Milan are fast running out of patience.

Milan hoping for Jashari turning point

According to the Corriere dello Sport, the deadline is Monday for there to be a breakthrough or they will turn towards Plan B.

The name of the alternative candidate is Javi Guerra, the 22-year-old Spaniard who came up through the Valencia youth academy.

He had also been linked with Manchester United and remains on their radar, while Valencia are also hoping to lock him down to a new contract.

This is another reason why Milan cannot afford to wait around much longer, or they will lose out on their second choice too.

While Ademola Lookman talked of ‘broken promises,’ Atalanta maintain they pledged to sell him abroad this summer, not to Serie A opponents Inter.

The situation has reached a breaking point, with the player submitting a formal transfer request, as confirmed by a long statement on his Instagram account.

He protested that the club had promised to let him leave this summer if a suitable offer was made, but that they are now blocking his transfer to Inter “for reasons I do not understand.”

Atalanta do not share Lookman version of events

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the version of events given by Atalanta is rather different and would explain why they have been so reticent to accept the Inter proposal.

The promise was made last summer, when Lookman asked to be left out of the squad for the UEFA Super Cup against Real Madrid because of interest from Paris Saint-Germain.

Importantly, the pledge was to let him go for a foreign club if the ambitious and lucrative bid was received.

Atalanta would therefore have been more amenable if Lookman had tried to force his transfer to Arsenal, Chelsea or Paris Saint-Germain, rather than their Serie A competitors Inter.

If they are to accept the move to Inter, it will need to be for the right price, a total of €50m rather than the current offer of €42m plus €3m in bonuses.

Milan are on the verge of securing a deal for Young Boys right-back Zachary Athekame, working non-stop to shake hands for €7-8m plus add-ons to reach the €10m asking price.

This is not a done deal yet, so we must wait before celebrating, but he really is close to the all clear.

Young Boys were in no rush to sell, but since Milan stepped forward, it was Athekame who was pushing to leave, seeing it as an opportunity he could not give up.

Athekame a far more affordable alternative

The initial asking price had been €10m plus bonuses, but now the agreement could be reached for a total figure of €10m including those add-ons.

Both parties are constantly at work building on the foundations of €7-8m plus performance-related bonuses.

It is an enormous difference compared to the valuation of Guela Doué, with Strasbourg demanding €30m until it prompted Milan to turn elsewhere.

Now they are close to that alternative target, ready to secure Athekame.

Ademola Lookman confirmed he ‘handed in a formal transfer request’ to Atalanta, complaining they are ‘blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand’ to join Inter.

The Nigeria international made it abundantly clear he wants to make the move to San Siro, feeling the offer of €45m including add-ons is sufficient to get a deal over the line.

After reports this afternoon that he sent in a transfer request, he confirmed it with a statement on his Instagram account.

Lookman statement confirms transfer request

“Over the past three years at Atalanta, I’ve given absolutely everything. Not just as a footballer, but as a person. I’ve always worn the shirt with pride and tried to represent this club and the city of Bergamo with heart, passion and dedication.

“I came here with the hope of helping this special club grow and together, we’ve created memories that will stay with me forever. Winning the Europa League and standing shoulder to shoulder with my teammates that night in Dublin celebrating with our fans was one of the proudest moments of my career so far. It still gives me goosebumps thinking about it.

“Atalanta, and especially its supporters, have become a part of me. This place has felt like home from the moment I arrived and I’ve always tried to repay that love – even in moments where things haven’t been easy behind the scenes.

“That’s what makes writing this so hard. I have loved every moment but feel that now, after three wonderful years in Bergamo, it is the right time to move on and experience a new adventure.

“There have been numerous clubs approach Atalanta in the past and I have previously always stayed loyal. However, myself and the ownership of the club have been in agreement that now is the right time and the club were clear with me that if a fair offer came in they would allow me to move.

Despite now receiving an offer in alignment to what I believe had been discussed sadly the club are blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand.

“As a result and after many months of broken promises and what I feel has been poor treatment towards me as both a human being and as a professional footballer, sadly I feel I have no choice but to speak out for what I believe is right and I feel that enough is enough.

“I can confirm I have now handed in a formal transfer request.

“Even throughout the extremely difficult moments I’ve endured, many of which have remained private and confidential, I have always tried to put the club, the fans and the team first and hoped it would not get to this, but I unfortunately feel there is now little choice.

“To the fans – the heartbeat of this club – I want to say this: I’m truly sorry it’s come to this. I hope you can understand this incredibly difficult situation. It’s simply about standing up for what I believe is fair and right. The support you have always given me has been incredible and the bond we have created together is special.

“I hope to work together with the club to find an amicable solution for all parties as soon as possible.

“With love and gratitude, Ademola.”

 

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A post shared by Ademola Lookman (M.O.N) (@molalookman)

The rapport between Lookman and Atalanta had begun to crumble last year, when he tried to push through a move to Paris Saint-Germain, but the club held firm.

It then collapsed completely in the Champions League play-off elimination at the hands of Club Brugge in February when he insisted on taking a crucial penalty, which was saved by Simon Mignolet.

Coach Gian Piero Gasperini then confirmed in his press conference that Lookman was not supposed to step up, as he was “one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen” with a terrible record in training.

Mateo Retegui and Charles De Ketelaere were supposed to be ahead of him in the ranking for that role.

Gasperini’s departure has done little to calm the storm between the club and player, however, as he seems determined to join Inter.

Now the Nigeria international is trying to force through the transfer to Inter, much like Teun Koopmeiners did with Juventus last summer.

Six different Inter players were on the scoresheet as the Nerazzurri beat the newly-formed U23 side 7-2 in an internal friendly to begin Cristian Chivu’s pre-season preparations. 

The Nerazzurri took part in what was technically their first pre-season friendly of the summer on Sunday morning in what has been a busy summer following the inaugural edition of the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. 

Practically the entire Inter first-team squad got valuable minutes under their belts during an internal friendly at the club’s training ground on Sunday, with Chivu naming two different XIs for each half. 

The first-team fell behind early on after an eighth-minute opener from Matteo Spinaccè, but the scores were level three minutes later after an equalising own goal from Issiaka Kamate. 

New signing Ange-Yoan Bonny was the first of the senior players to get his name on the scoresheet, which was then followed by another equaliser from 18-year-old Mattia Mosconi for 2-2. 

A penalty from Kristjan Asllani and a goal from open play by captain Lautaro Martinez ensured that the senior side ended the first half ahead at 4-2. 

Francesco Pio Esposito hit the first Nerazzurri goal of the second period, and was soon followed by a goal from another new signing in Luis Henrique, and then one more from Hakan Calhanoglu to round things off in the 90th minute. 

Inter vs U23s: Line-ups and goalscorers 

First half XI: Sommer; Darmian, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Sucic, Asllani, Mkhitaryan, C.Augusto; Bonny, L.Martinez. 

Second half XI: Di Gennaro; Pavard, Acerbi, Palacios; L.Henrique, Barella, Calhanoglu, Zalewski, Dimarco; Thuram, F.Esposito. 

Goalscorers: Spinaccè 8’ (U23s), Kamate OG 11’ (I), Bonny 15’ (I), Mosconi 30’ (U23s), Asllani 32’ (I), L.Martinez 41’ (I), F.Esposito 50’ (I), L.Henrique 63’ (I), Calhanoglu 90’ (I).