With just 17 days left before the summer transfer window slams shut, Inter Milan is racing against time to secure a new winger — and their backup plan is already in motion. After months of stalled talks with Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio over Ademola Lookman, the Nerazzurri have formally shifted focus to Antonio Eromonsele Nordby Nusa, the 20-year-old Norwegian speedster from RB Leipzig. The move isn’t just a contingency — it’s becoming their only realistic path forward.
Lookman’s Impasse at Atalanta
Lookman, 27, had already agreed to personal terms with Inter: a four-year deal worth €3.5 million annually plus bonuses. But the deal died at the boardroom level. Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi has refused to budge from an undisclosed asking price, despite Inter’s initial €25 million bid being rejected outright. The stalemate has left Lookman in limbo — he’s skipped multiple training sessions at Atalanta’s Centro Sportivo Bortolotti in Bergamo and publicly criticized the club for holding him hostage.It’s a classic case of a player caught between ambition and bureaucracy. Lookman wants to play at a top club; Atalanta wants maximum value for a player whose contract expires in June 2026. Inter won’t pay more than they believe is fair — and they’re running out of time.
Nusa: The Norwegian Alternative
Enter Antonio Nusa. Born in Drammen, Norway, and now a key figure in Leipzig’s attack, Nusa has exploded onto the scene since joining from Club Brugge KV in summer 2024. In just 28 Bundesliga appearances last season, he scored four goals and added six assists. For Norway, he’s been even more prolific: five goals and seven assists in 15 senior caps since his debut on March 24, 2023, at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo.He’s fast, direct, and clinically efficient — the kind of winger Inter desperately needs to replace the aging Lautaro Martínez’s supply line. His market value has tripled since Stabæk Fotball sold him to Brugge for €9 million in January 2022. Now, Chiesa di Totti estimates his price tag at €50 million — a steep sum, but one Inter can absorb under their €80 million net spending limit for the summer, thanks to last season’s €425 million revenue haul.
RB Leipzig’s Hard Line
Here’s the twist: RB Leipzig won’t sell both Nusa and Benjamin Šeško in the same window. That’s not rumor — it’s internal policy, confirmed by fan chatter on SempreInter.com and echoed by sources close to the club. Sporting director Markus Krösche and CEO Oliver Mintzlaff are known for their disciplined approach to squad planning. Selling Nusa would mean losing their most dynamic wide threat — and they know it.Inter’s scouts have been watching Nusa closely at Leipzig’s training base in Leipzig, Saxony. OneFootball.com reports the Nerazzurri maintain “continuous observation.” That’s code for: they’re ready to move fast — if the price drops.
History Repeats — But With a Twist
This isn’t the first time Nusa’s name has floated near Milan. Back in 2022, AC Milan scouted him intensely after Charles De Ketelaere’s move to San Siro. Back then, he was dubbed the “Norwegian Neymar.” Barcelona also took notice. But now, it’s Inter who hold the cards — and they’re not just interested. They’re desperate.With the Serie A squad registration deadline on August 22, 2025, and Inter’s season opener against Torino FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on August 25, every hour counts. Medicals, contracts, paperwork — all must be finalized by August 22. No wiggle room.
What If They Miss?
If Nusa slips away and Lookman stays put, Inter’s options shrink dramatically. Piero Ausilio, the club’s shrewd sporting director, would be forced to turn to cheaper, less proven names — perhaps a loanee from Serie B or a free agent on the fringes of Europe’s top leagues. That’s not a solution. It’s a compromise.And in a season where Inter are title favorites, compromising on attacking firepower could cost them more than just points. It could cost them the Scudetto.
Financial Fair Play Tightrope
Inter’s financial situation adds another layer of tension. While they generated €425 million in 2024/25, UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules demand they keep net summer spending under €80 million. A €50 million outlay on Nusa would leave them with just €30 million for other targets — a tight squeeze, but manageable if they offload a few fringe players. The club is already rumored to be in talks to sell midfielder Hakan Çalhanoğlu, which could free up crucial funds.The pressure on Ausilio isn’t just about tactics — it’s about legacy. He’s been the architect of Inter’s recent resurgence. Fail to land a top-tier winger this window, and questions will swirl about whether Inter’s ambition is still aligned with their execution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Inter Milan so desperate for a new winger?
Inter’s attack relies heavily on Lautaro Martínez, who’s 27 and needs reliable service. Last season, only two players — Marcus Thuram and Denzel Dumfries — provided more than five assists in Serie A. Nusa, with 13 combined goals and assists in 15 international games and 10 in 28 Bundesliga appearances, would instantly upgrade their width and creativity. Without him or Lookman, Inter’s offensive depth looks thin.
Can Inter afford €50 million for Nusa under Financial Fair Play?
Yes — but only if they balance the books. Inter’s €425 million revenue gives them breathing room, and selling players like Çalhanoğlu (estimated market value €25–30 million) could cover the gap. UEFA allows net spending up to €80 million this window, so a €50 million outlay on Nusa leaves room for two or three smaller signings — just enough to round out the squad without triggering sanctions.
Why won’t RB Leipzig sell Nusa and Šeško together?
RB Leipzig’s model depends on developing young talents into premium assets. Nusa and Šeško are their two most explosive attackers — selling both would leave them dangerously thin in the final third. The club’s leadership believes retaining at least one ensures continuity and maintains their competitive edge in the Bundesliga. It’s not about money — it’s about identity.
What’s the timeline for this transfer?
The Serie A squad registration deadline is August 22, 2025. All medicals and contracts must be completed by August 19. Inter has until August 25 to finalize the deal before their season opener against Torino. With only days left, time is running out — and every hour without progress makes Nusa less likely.
Could Lookman still join Inter before the deadline?
Technically yes — but it’s fading fast. Atalanta’s refusal to negotiate beyond their asking price suggests they’re waiting for a higher bid, possibly from a Premier League club. If Inter doesn’t raise their offer by August 15, Lookman’s chances of joining drop below 20%. The clock is ticking, and Atalanta knows it.
How does Nusa compare to Lookman as a player?
Lookman is more experienced, with 125 Serie A appearances and proven goalscoring instincts. But Nusa is younger, faster, and more versatile — he can play both wings and cut inside with either foot. He’s also more likely to appreciate a new challenge at a club like Inter, whereas Lookman’s frustration with Atalanta could lead to locker room tension. For long-term value, Nusa might be the smarter bet.