Inter are encountering difficulties with their pursuit of Atletico Madrid full-back Sime Vrsaljko as the Spanish club are unwilling to sell the player on loan, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
Vrsaljko made 29 appearances in all competitions for the Colchoneros during the 2017-18 season and is currently representing the Croatian national team at this summer’s FIFA World Cup in Russia, but his future at the club remains in doubt with several Italian clubs having expressed an interest in him.
Napoli had previously been linked with a move for the 26 year-old but on Wednesday evening Inter made a new approach for the player, with Piero Ausilio meeting Atletico sporting director Andrea Berta to discuss a potential deal.
However Vrsaljko remains a difficult target for the Nerazzurri as the La Liga outfit are unwilling to part company with the player on loan, the formula Inter would wish to use, and so Inter are continuing to monitor other options as well.
“With that in mind,” Gazzetta dello Sport wrote on Friday, “it’s worth keeping an eye on Davide Zappacosta, on the way out at Chelsea, and in particular Barcelona’s Aleix Vidal, after his agent [Alejandro] Santisteban arrived in Milan yesterday.
“Officially Santisteban is not due to meet with Inter but there will obviously be at least a telephone call between him and Ausilio.”