Marcelo Brozovic was sighted in Paris, engaging in negotiations with Al-Nassr directors ahead of his inevitable Inter exit. Alfredo Pedulla reports a definite agreement is on the horizon as the Croatia international prepares to leave Europe for the Middle East.
Talks between Inter and Al-Nassr have taken several twists over the past few days. The stage seemed set for Brozovic to join forces with Cristiano Ronaldo when the Nerazzurri accepted the Saudi Pro League outfit’s €23 million bid. However, the 30-year-old threw a spanner in the works by requesting a staggering €100m package for a three-year contract.
While Al-Nassr eventually agreed to meet Brozovic’s abysmal demands, they simultaneously lowered the agreed purchase price to €13m. Since Inter threatened to withdraw from negotiations, the Saudis will probably have to up their offer again. They’ll likely meet at the halfway point, which should pour around €17-18m into the Italians’ coffers.
But the whole operation is still hanging by a thread. Al-Nassr chiefs are growing frustrated with Brozovic, not to mention Inter, who are desperate to raise funds from his sale. It’s entirely up to the ex-Dinamo Zagreb man to decide. The clock is ticking, though, as the Saudis could pull the plug on a deal unless this latest round of talks comes to fruition.
It’s no wonder Brozovic is taking his time. His genuine wish is to join Barcelona. The Spaniards have considered him a replacement for club icon Sergio Busquets, who left the club as a free agent. But Ilkay Gundogan’s move from Manchester City might have rendered his dream dead in the water.
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