Matteo Politano’s future at Inter remains uncertain as the Nerazzurri consider replacing him with Fernando Llorente, according to Tuttosport this morning.
The forward signed from Sassuolo on a permanent deal in June but is thought to be unsuited to Antonio Conte’s 3-5-2 system.
Conte has asked Beppe Marotta for one final sacrifice on the transfer market because he wants a stand-in for Romelu Lukaku.
“Inter are stalling whenever they’re asked to comment on the Llorente rumours,” the paper reported this morning.
“This is partly because they’re still working to complete a deal to sign Alexis Sanchez, who will arrive in Milan tomorrow at the latest, but also because they would need to offload Politano before bringing in Llorente, given that Conte only wants to work with four strikers this season.”
Conte and Marotta both appreciated Llorente’s ‘moral qualities’ in Turin and think he is a suitable alternative option to Romelu Lukaku, who will not be able to play every match in a busy season.
Sebastiano Esposito will feature for the first team as well but he will also spend time with the Primavera this season, so he does not occupy one of Conte’s four slots in attack.
Conte also wants Inter to find a midfielder who can improve the side’s physicality and contribute a handful of goals.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is the club’s ambitious target but the former Juventus boss would be more than happy to join up with Arturo Vidal again.
“The midfielder question will be resolved in the last week of the market, which means other names that haven’t been examined yet could still emerge,” TS continued.
“If one player comes in then one will go out, and on that note it seems Sporting Lisbon are serious about their bid to resign Joao Mario.”
