Inter are plotting to add another striker on top of Edin Dzeko to compensate for Romelu Lukaku’s departure. Their top option is Duvan Zapata, but it will not be easy to sign him. The player is keen on the move as he sees it as a step forward in his career, Alfredo Pedullà reports.
The striker has agreed to personal terms with Inter about a week ago and would get a significantly higher salary. On the other hand, the Bergamaschi do not want to sell him before finding an adequate heir up front. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini, in particular, is fiercely opposing the transfer considering the imminent start of the season.
La Beneamata is hoping to use the center-forward’s will as leverage in the negotiation. Inter are ready to offer €30M plus add-ons, while the Goddess values him €40M. It would not be too difficult to reach an agreement if Atalanta okayed the sale, the transfer market adds. The sporting directors Piero Ausilio and Giovanni Sartori met in Monza over the weekend.
Working against the deal is the fact that the Orobici are not close to signing any new offensive piece. They were after Tommy Abraham, who will instead move to Roma. They are considering pursuing Andrea Belotti, but they have not opened talks with Torino yet.
Inter are willing to see it through on Zapata before jumping onto other objectives for the role. They have been linked to Joaquin Correa and Lorenzo Insigne in recent days. However, they appear to be only secondary choices at this stage.