Rodrigo de Paul is more than likely to leave Udinese this summer, the Friulani’s technical director Pierpaolo Marino admitted today.
Inter are known to be very interested in signing the midfielder and it seems De Paul would have a clear preference to join the Nerazzurri, as per a report tonight.
The 27-year-old has impressed everyone since joining Udinese in 2016 and finally seems set for a move to a big club.
“We all hope De Paul will stay, but we have to be realistic,” Marino told Udinese’s in-house TV channel.
“We know that if he were to leave, we shouldn’t be surprised.
“He’s conducted himself well and has been an exemplary captain, but he deserves the chance to play for a team that’s fighting for Europe.
“We have the structures in place to adequately replace anyone.
“De Paul has become one of Italy’s top players but we won’t be caught unprepared (if he leaves).”
Alfredo Pedulla reported tonight that Inter’s transfer plans are on hold until they sort Antonio Conte’s future, but the next few hours could be decisive in that sense.
The Nerazzurri are hoping they can convince Conte that they won’t sell off key players, after which they would begin planning an ‘intelligent’ recruitment campaign which would be financed by some sales.
Conte needs to be ‘serene and convinced’ for Inter to begin planning next season properly, but everything should become clearer soon.
De Paul would be an ideal reinforcement for his midfield three, having scored nine goals and provided 10 assists for Udinese this season.
