Inter are hoping to complete a deal to sign Edin Dzeko by Wednesday next week, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
Antonio Conte’s hopes of signing Romelu Lukaku are fading fast but he should get at least one new centre-forward to work with soon.
The Nerazzurri are likely to hold decisive talks with Roma on Monday when both clubs attend Serie A’s fixture ceremony in Milan.
Inter’s chances of reaching an agreement in short order depend on how much they are willing to raise their previous offer of €12 million.
Dzeko captained Roma in their last preseason friendly as they beat Gubbio 3-0, but this has changed nothing in terms of the player’s desire to join Inter.
Conte turns 50 on Wednesday and the club hope they can sign the 33-year-old as a birthday present.
Beppe Marotta last night assured reporters Conte was now feeling less anxious about the lack of transfer activity, following Monday’s transfer summit in China.
Inter’s new boss looks set to be disappointed as far as Lukaku is concerned, though, as Gazzetta claimed the club were ‘close to abandoning’ their pursuit.
Manchester United are holding out for €83.5 million and Inter cannot offer anything like that much money until they have completed a significant sale, such as Mauro Icardi or Ivan Perisic.
The Red Devils will not wait forever and it seems the start of next week will be a deadline for the parties to reach a deal.
Inter have also cooled their interest for Lille forward Rafael Leao, who appears to be heading towards other clubs.
