Inter could sign Sassuolo striker Giacomo Raspadori in January, but will only do so if Alexis Sanchez is to leave the club.
This according to Italian news outlet FCInterNews, who report that the Nerazzurri are considering a move for the 21-year-old as early as the January transfer window but that there are a number of factors which could complicate their pursuit.
Raspadori is a major long-term target for Inter, and the striker’s indifferent form over the first part of the campaign has led to the possible that he could be on his way out from the Neroverdi as early as January.
The striker reportedly isn’t happy being given roles as either an attacking midfielder or winger by Neroverdi coach Alessio Dionisi, and has only managed to score a single goal in Serie A so far this season.
The player could be amenable to a move away already, but convincing his club on a deal could be another matter.
The Neroverdi will be reluctant to lose a key player midseason and are also not likely to come down much on their valuation.
However, the Nerazzurri could convince them by including a player or players going the other way as part of a potential deal, with the likes of Sebastiano Esposito, Cesare Casadei, and Samuele Mulattieri among those who could be offered.
Should counterparts be included in a player-plus-cash exchange then Sassuolo could lower their asking price to somewhere around €15-20 million.
Moreover, the Nerazzurri could bring the striker in on an initial loan with a purchase option, similar to the one which Juventus arranged when they signed Manuel Locatelli in the summer, and this could make his signing feasible.
At any rate, Inter are only likely to be able to move for Raspadori should Alexis Sanchez depart in January, with the Chilean still weighing heavily on their wage bill.
Should Sanchez find a new club, however, then a move for Raspadori could be feasible, and the Nerazzurri could begin working out a way to bring him in.
