Inter have three possible alternatives to Edin Dzeko after the Bosnian signed a new three-year deal with Roma, according to Tuttosport.
Dzeko’s contract extension is a bitter pill for the Nerazzurri to swallow, following weeks of speculation suggesting they were likely to get their man.
Antonio Conte wanted to play with two ‘grenadiers’ up front this season in Dzeko and Romelu Lukaku, but he will now be forced to adjust his plans.
Discussing potential Plan B options, TS reported: “Arkadiusz Milik has never really excited Inter’s management, but he has a very similar skill set to Dzeko.
“This is the only solution for Beppe Marotta if he does not wish to do any business with Juventus, which he was instructed to avoid some time ago by Steven Zhang.
“The free agents market also offers the chance to sign Fernando Llorente, whom Conte has coached and Marotta appreciates for his professionalism and team spirit, but he would mean making two steps backward from Dzeko.
“Another forward up for sale is Alexis Sanchez. He’s anything but a battering ram, but given the situation Inter find themselves in it’s not really time to be splitting hairs.”
TS criticised Inter’s lack of urgency in closing a deal for Dzeko, telling the Nerazzurri that it was obvious Roma would find it harder and harder to sign a replacement the longer talks continued.
Mauro Icardi was flattered by the Giallorossi’s offer to join the capital but the forward never truly entertained the idea of accepting it.
Inter’s failure to sign Dzeko also means they will have a weaker position in any future negotiations with Juventus, the club Icardi has decided he wants to join.
Marotta’s hopes of swapping Maurito for Paulo Dybala have been damaged by yesterday’s events, because Juve will now feel empowered to request a hefty cash fee as part of the deal.
