Inter will have to beat competition from Napoli if they want Rodrigo de Paul this summer, according to a report in the Italian media.
Calciomercato.com revealed that Gennaro Gattuso’s side had joined the race to sign the Udinese captain and were hoping to recover lost ground on the Nerazzurri.
Inter have monitored De Paul’s situation for a long time with Beppe Marotta and Piero Ausilio making their first moves with Udinese a while ago.
Antonio Conte requested the 26-year-old to be signed in January, before Inter’s well-documented financial problems prevented them from spending any money.
De Paul is happy at Udinese but he wants to play for a team in the UEFA Champions League and is ready to consider all offers at the end of the season, the report explained.
Udinese would want at least €35 million for the Argentine, who is under contract until 2024, but the fierce competition could see his price rise to €40 million.
Inter’s bid to sign De Paul will depend on the future of owners Suning while Napoli need to secure a top-four finish to strengthen their chances.
Juventus are also interested in De Paul but the Bianconeri remain in the background for the time being.
De Paul has made 31 appearances for Udinese this season, scoring six goals and providing seven assists.
