Lucien Agoume’s agent has confirmed the midfielder is very close to signing for Inter.

Inter will pay Sochaux €4.5 million up front and have beaten off last-minute competition from Manchester City and Arsenal.

The 17-year-old could have moved to the Premier League quicker than he will move to the Nerazzurri, but Djibril Niang said he always wanted to wait for Inter.

“We’ve agreed personal terms with Inter and Sochaux have an agreement for a fee,” Niang told Est Republicain.

“The only detail the clubs still need to sort is the installments in which Inter will pay the money, so Sochaux can have as many financial guarantees as possible before 4 July [when they will have their accounts scrutinised by an external body].

“There were other options available but Lucien’s desire was to join Inter. The club, the management and the coaches showed they really wanted us by the fact they never stopped talking to us.

“Lucien will need to learn a lot of things in Italy, he’s only 17. Serie A is a very tactical league and we know he’ll have great physical demands placed on him too.

“Antonio Conte will be his coach, too. He’s a man who needs no introduction.”

Niang also assured supporters Agoume will train with Inter’s first team, despite reports he would be sent to the Primavera for a year.

“Lucien will not be cast aside, I can assure you. His work ethic and talent will do the rest.”