"Milan Sports": Inter Milan s bid for Lukeman encountered obstacles, and plans B is formulated

On August 3, Inter Milan's plan to buy a striker in the summer transfer market encountered setbacks. Inter Milan has been chasing Atlanta striker Lukeman. Although the player himself is willing to join the Nerazzurri and Blacks, Atlanta is sticking to high prices and is always unwilling to make concessions on transfer fees, which has led to a deadlock in negotiations between the two sides. As of now, Inter Milan has offered Lukeman a fixed transfer fee of 42 million euros plus a floating bonus of 3 million euros, but this offer has not met Atlanta's expectations. The latter made it clear that for Italian domestic clubs, Lukeman's minimum transfer fee is 50 million euros.

In view of the uncertain prospects for the acquisition of Lukeman, Inter Milan's senior executives have begun to consider alternative goals. Chelsea's Nkuku and Liverpool's Chiesa Jr. came into their sight. Nkunku, 27, moved to Chelsea for €60 million in 2023, however, successive injuries and Chelsea’s lineup changes have made him a substitute. Last season, he made 27 appearances, with only 9 starts, and received 3 goals and 2 assists. Chelsea added another strong frontcourt support this summer, and Nkunku's status further declined and has been included in the saleable list. In response, Inter plans to loan Nkunku on a season and force a buyout for 35 million euros next summer. Nkunku's annual after-tax salary of up to €6.5 million has become a major obstacle to the deal. Chiesa Jr. is also the subject of Inter Milan. The 27-year-old Italian international has few opportunities to play after joining Liverpool last summer, making only 14 appearances throughout the season, contributing 2 goals and 2 assists, which is no longer within Liverpool's future plans. Chiesa Jr. is eager to return to Serie A, and Inter Milan and Naples both show interest in him. Although Chiesa Jr.'s annual salary after tax at Liverpool is 6.2 million euros, and both joining Inter and Naples require a significant salary cut, its relatively low transfer fee is quite attractive to Inter. At present, Inter Milan is still waiting for Atlanta's final reply to the Lukeman deal. Once the purchase fails, it will quickly advance the transfer negotiations between Nkunku or Chiesa Jr., and strive to add strong aid to the team's forward line before the transfer window is closed.