Inter Milan's sporting director, Giuseppe Marotta, has shed light on the club's decision to abandon negotiations for Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Despite agreeing on a five-year contract with the player, Inter's €45 million offer was rejected by Atalanta.
Marotta stated that Atalanta had every right to hold on to their star player, emphasizing that the club's decision to retain Lookman was understandable.
"There was talk of Lookman, but we found a club that had every right not to put him on the market, and rightly so," Marotta told TMW.
The talks broke down after Atalanta refused to sell Lookman for the offered amount, leaving the player's future at the club uncertain.
Lookman had submitted a transfer request and was reportedly unhappy with Atalanta's stance on his potential departure.
Lookman's impressive form last season, with 17 goals and 11 assists, has drawn interest from several top clubs, including Arsenal and Tottenham.
By Olujimi Dare Ogun