Inter would be prepared to go after Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino this summer in the event that Romelu Lukaku’s loan deal from Chelsea is not extended.

This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInter1908, who report that the Nerazzurri are ready to begin talks with the Brazilian as a replacement for Lukaku.

A big part of Inter’s summer plans in attack will depend on whether or not Lukaku’s loan from Chelsea is extended for another season, given that it is set to run out at the end of June and would need to be renegotiated.

There is no question that Lukaku himself wants to stay, but the Nerazzurri will wait until the end of the season to make a decision on his future based on his performances.

At least one forward is set to be brought in to replace Joaquin Correa, and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Marcus Thuram is seen as the favourite in this regard.

However, the club are also planning for the possibility that Lukaku could be on his way, and in this sense the favourite to replace the Belgian would be Firmino.

It has been confirmed that the 31-year-old former Hoffenheim player will leave Anfield eight seasons after his arrival.

Firmino’s contract with Liverpool runs out at the end of June, and the forward has already told the club that he does not intend on signing an extension despite their offer of a new deal.

Inter are big admirers of the 31-year-old, and would be ready to hold talks regarding a summer switch should Lukaku not be brought back another season on loan from Chelsea.

The Brazilian has made 359 appearances for the Reds, scoring 109 goals in the process and helping them to the Champions League, the Premier League, and the FA Cup.

Firmino has also been capped 55 times for the Brazilian national team.