Inter could make one final attempt to sign Romelu Lukaku this week by making Manchester United an improved offer, according to Corriere dello Sport.
Lukaku now has strong interest from Juventus as well as the Nerazzurri, and the forward has not excluded the possibility of joining the Bianconeri instead.
Juventus want a swap deal with United involving Paulo Dybala, but for now the clubs do not agree on the players’ valuations.
Beppe Marotta is preparing to take advantage of this impasse by offering around €75 million in total, some €10 million more than the previous bid Inter had rejected.
Lukaku’s agent Federico Pastorello has explained the trouble Inter are having in securing a deal for him, as well as the newfound interest from Juve.
The 26-year-old wanted to be an Inter player by the start of August but the Serie A champions’ approach has pleased him, because his main priority now is to leave Manchester.
Juventus are not worried by the fact Inter have already agreed personal terms, which involve a five-year deal worth €9 million annually, because they believe they can get Lukaku to change his mind.
For now they are simply satisfied Lukaku is open to the idea of joining them, while they explore the feasibility of a swap deal with Dybala.
Antonio Conte reiterated to Inter’s hierarchy in China last week that he wants to coach Lukaku this season, but there is no guarantee he will be able to do so.
Inter are prepared to make one last bid for the Belgian, but if it is not successful they will raise the white flag and begin pursuing alternatives.
Rafael Leao is not a realistic Plan B because Conte thinks he is not experienced enough to ‘replace’ Lukaku up front.
Edinson Cavani represents the club’s true alternative, having already been close to Inter in a swap deal with Mauro Icardi in the spring of 2018.
It remains to be seen if El Matador would want to leave Paris Saint-Germain with one year left on his deal, but his agent Marcelo Simonian – who is on good terms with Inter – is confident a deal is possible.
