Inter have spent more money in this summer’s transfer window than all but three other clubs in Europe, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Nerazzurri’s €172.5 million outlay, boosted this week by the arrival of Romelu Lukaku from Manchester United, is their most expensive recruitment campaign ever, including the years under Massimo Moratti.
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are the only clubs to have outdone Inter, with Juventus and both Manchester clubs languishing further back.
“Even without the €22 million Roma are demanding for Edin Dzeko we’re beyond every record,” the paper rejoiced this morning.
“Sure, players’ valuations have exploded in recent years but they have still made a big acceleration. Inter are hoping their near-€200 million spend has moved them closer to Europe’s best.”
Lukaku’s €75 million move – albeit €10 million are bonuses – was preceded by the €21 million deal for Valentino Lazaro and the €72 million spent on Stefano Sensi and Nicolo Barella.
Inter have had to use delayed payment structures and copious add-ons to circumnavigate Financial Fair Play restrictions, while also overlooking Suning’s policy of self-sufficiency in the short term.
Andrea Pinamonti, Yann Karamoh, George Puscas and Zinho Vanheusden are the only significant sales completed this summer, meaning not much money has come back in yet.
Edin Dzeko could yet increase the club’s net spend, however, if Inter push through with a deal in their talks with Roma.
Gianluca Petrachi now wants €20+2 million to sell the former Manchester City striker, fixing the start of next week as a deadline for negotiations.
The Giallorossi are prepared to lower their cash demands if Inter include a player in the deal, but their preferred choice is Sebastiano Esposito and he is unlikely to be sacrificed.
Dzeko has made it clear how much he wishes to join Inter but Roma are running out of time to secure a replacement.
Inter must hope the deal is finalised in the next few days so they do not run the risk of everything falling through.