Inter have all but lost hope on signing Romelu Lukaku as the Manchester United forward edges closer to Juventus, according to Corriere dello Sport.
The Bianconeri want to swap the Belgian with Paulo Dybala and both clubs are convinced a deal can be reached, albeit no agreement is in place for now.
Antonio Conte will not be pleased the Nerazzurri have let his top transfer target slip through their fingers, but Inter could not afford to meet United’s asking price.
“Spending €83 million on Lukaku (plus the €5 million Everton were due) was considered an ‘attack’ on Inter’s finances,” the Rome-based publication reported this morning.
“Juventus will find it easier to meet that valuation, though, considering they will earn a capital gain by selling Dybala.”
Lukaku’s move to Turin can only realistically fall through if Dybala, who is no longer part of Juve’s plans, rejects a move to United.
However, the Italian champions are confident they will be able to persuade him, making it extremely difficult to envisage Inter regaining the ground they have lost.
Lukaku missed Manchester United’s final preseason friendly against Norwegian side Kristiansund today, with reports in England suggesting Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has given him until the weekend to finalise a departure.
