Despite bringing in huge amounts from the sales of key players this summer, Inter are still limited in the amount they can spend to strengthen their squad.
As reported in today’s newspaper edition of Corriere della Sera, the Nerazzurri are on the verge of selling last season’s top goalscorer Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea in a record €115 million deal, but may only bring in €60m in profit.
Former club Manchester United will be due a significant portion of the transfer fee, whilst Inter will also be required to pay off other costs from the sale, bringing down the total considerably.
The Nerazzurri also cashed in on wing-back Achraf Hakimi earlier in the transfer window, and his move to Paris Saint-Germain, coupled with Lukaku’s impending departure, ought to have brought in €180m.
However, directors Beppe Marotta and Piero Ausilio will only be able to reinvest less than a third of that amount, and could even be limited to just €30-40m, whilst the remainder will be used to cover the club’s debts.
This has had a significant impact on Inter’s efforts to replace Lukaku, with first choice target Dusan Vlahovic of Fiorentina now out of the equation.
The Nerazzurri will attempt to move for Atalanta’s Duvan Zapata, but his €35-38m price tag could also prove to be beyond their means, leaving veteran Roma striker Edin Dzeko as the most viable option.
Bosnia international Dzeko would be available for just €2m and is ready to sign a two-year contract worth €4.5m per season.
Inter would also look to couple the 35-year-old with Joaquin Correa, but Lazio are holding out for at least €30m and are reluctant to sell to the Nerazzurri.
