Inter have halted their pursuit of Edin Dzeko in a bid to frustrate Roma and Juventus’ talks for Gonzalo Higuain, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The three clubs are locked in a tense ‘cold war’ as the transfer window enters July, with relations worsening as each day passes.
Inter are annoyed with Roma after the Giallorossi tried to hijack their move for Nicolo Barella, leading Beppe Marotta to make an approach for Lorenzo Pellegrini last week.
However, the Nerazzurri are also frustrated with Juventus because they believe the Italian champions have been trying to persuade Roma not to sell Dzeko to a potential Scudetto rival.
Marotta’s response to the two clubs is to ensure they cannot complete a loan deal for Higuain, which would benefit both but cannot become reality until Dzeko leaves Roma.
Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici wants to extend Pipita’s contract through to 2022 so he can spread his wages across several years, thus enabling the Old Lady to demand less money from Roma.
Milan and Chelsea both agreed to pay €18 million to have Higuain on loan but in this instance the Giallorossi could secure the Argentine for just €12 million.
Gazzetta also reiterated Inter would not be making any concessions to Mauro Icardi as preseason training nears.
Icardi does not form any part of Antonio Conte’s plans for the new season but is expected to arrive next week after the club failed to sell him last month.