Inter were very nearly beaten to signing Lautaro Martinez by Torino, the Granata’s ex-sporting director Gianluca Petrachi revealed today.
El Toro has become a pivotal figure in the Nerazzurri’s charge towards the Serie A title, scoring 15 league goals so far this season (his personal best tally).
Inter signed the striker from Racing Club in a deal worth a reported €22.7 million in 2018 – but things could have been very different had Torino had their way.
“Lautaro was the striker I wanted to sign at Torino for €7 million,” Petrachi told TuttoMercatoWeb.
“I began talks in 2017 but the negotiations broke down because of issues with intermediary figures.
“There were problems with the commissions they wanted, which were way too high; they were worth more than half the transfer fee we were planning to pay.
“If I’d told Torino president Urbano Cairo, knowing him he’d have sent me over there…”
Lautaro was on target once again for Inter when Antonio Conte’s side beat Sassuolo 2-1 on Wednesday.
He is also impressing for his defensive application though, as highlighted by a report in Italy earlier today.
Lautaro recently parted company with his long-standing agents Beto Yaque and Rolando Zarate, but this is not expected to scupper his upcoming contract extension at Inter.
In fact, one source on Friday suggested the 23-year-old could sign the new deal himself provided he is happy with the previously agreed terms.
