Inter’s transfer plans were thrown up in the air last night after Edin Dzeko unexpectedly signed a new three-year deal with Roma.
Paulo Fonseca’s charm offensive and the affection shown by the rest of the club convinced the Bosnian to tie himself to the Giallorossi until 2022, where he will now earn €5 million annually.
Inter were close to agreeing a swap deal with Roma involving Dzeko and Mauro Icardi, with an extra fee in the Nerazzurri’s favour.
The details of the agreement were due to be sorted at the start of next week, but none of that is relevant anymore.
“Roma have checkmated Inter, pinning down the centre-forward they never wanted to lose with a surprise move,” GdS reported this morning.
“For Icardi, Napoli’s offer of €60 million is now the only alternative left to joining Juventus, who do not want a swap deal with Paulo Dybala and still haven’t made any official offers for the Argentine.”
Dybala is said to prefer a move to Paris Saint-Germain over Inter, but the Bianconeri’s reluctance to enter into negotiations with their arch rivals means it matters little.
In the meantime, the tension between Inter and Icardi continues to ramp up after the striker’s entourage submitted a formal request this week to let him rejoin full training.
“Icardi has always taken part in aerobic sessions with the rest of the first team and Inter have moved to ensure he can complete his preparation properly,” GdS continued.
“Even when the squad went off to tour Asia, Icardi had free access to the training facilities with a fitness coach at his disposal.
“Inter have thereby protected themselves from any legal action or accusations of mobbing, moving entirely within the rules. The same rules which mean they are not obliged to give Mauro the chance to take part in Antonio Conte’s practice matches.”
Icardi remains out of Inter’s plans for the coming season and the letter sent on his behalf has not disturbed Inter in the slightest.
What worries the Nerazzurri more is his continual reluctance to consider the idea of joining any club which is not Juventus.