Inter are keen to keep hold of centre-back Francesco Acerbi next season, but will only do so if Lazio’s asking price is reduced.
As reported in today’s newspaper edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport, the loanee has impressed sufficiently for the Nerazzurri to consider him worth retaining beyond the summer, but CEO Beppe Marotta has concerns over Lazio’s valuation.
Acerbi is set to turn 35 next month, and as part of loan move that saw him make the switch to the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on transfer deadline day last year, a clause was inserted that allowed Inter to buy him for €4m.
However, Marotta and Inter feel that the price is too high for a player of his age, and will only sanction the signing if Lazio agree to reduce the fee.
Whilst the Aquile are notoriously tough negotiators, Inter are aided by Acerbi’s determination not to return to Rome, particularly after he left in controversial circumstances last year.
Should Lazio president Claudio Lotito relent and sell for a reduced figure, Inter will push to bring Acerbi in on a permanent deal.
