Inter and Juventus are ready to lock horns over Bryan Cristante and Lorenzo Pellegrini in the summer, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
Saturday night will see the two sides do battle at San Siro in one of the most important Derby d’Italia clashes in recent memory, but the duel is likely to extend into the upcoming transfer window with the Nerazzurri and Bianconeri sharing several targets.
Both clubs are said to be following Atalanta midfielder Cristante and Roma midfielder Pellegrini, although Inter’s chances of signing either of them will depend largely on whether they secure Champions League qualification for next season.
Juventus are thought to be ahead in the race for Cristante, but as the Milanese paper notes Inter are on great terms with Atalanta and have dealt with them twice in the last year to sign Roberto Gagliardini and Alessandro Bastoni.
“As such the Nerazzurri are also ready to pounce upon Gasperini’s goal-scoring midfielder,” they write. “The scenario is simple: if Juventus don’t close the deal they will be there to overtake them.”
As far as Pellegrini is concerned, the Italian has a contract that will keep him tied to Roma until 2022 but within that contract there is also €25 million release clause.
Spalletti has mentioned his name to Inter and the club are thus monitoring his progress, although Pellegrini would only be a viable option if the Nerazzurri were to reach the Champions League.
“Inter know they can only allow themselves this particular luxury with a top four finish, but they have made the right steps to make sure they’re ready should the opportunity present itself. Juventus meanwhile are waiting in the wings as they continue to make their plans for the following season.”
