Inter are set to step up their interest in signing young Italy striker Mateo Retegui, although the success or failure of their pursuit could come down to the factor of joint ownership of his contract.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who report that the 23-year-old’s joint ownership by Tigre and Boca Juniors could play a role in the Nerazzurri’s chase of him.
As the Gazzetta notes, Hellas Verona had already tried to bring Retegui to Serie A during the January transfer window, aiming for a €10 million deal to bolster their attacking ranks in their bid to avoid relegation.
However, Retegui stayed put at Tigre, where he is currently on loan from Boca but with the former having the option to make his loan permanent.
As the Gazzetta notes, the complex situation with Retegui’s contract, which would see Boca owed a significant portion of any sale, is likely to play a role in determining when and where he makes his expected move to European football.
As Gianluca Di Marzio has reported, the price tag for the Italian national team breakout start will almost certainly be no less than €20 million off the back of his performances for the Azzurri, compared to what Verona had tried to sign the striker for a few months ago.
Di Marzio has also reported that Eintracht Frankfurt are keen to get a deal done, although the player concerned is more inclined towards Inter.
Meanwhile, Lazio have been strongly linked, as have Premier League clubs like Brighton and Hove Albion and Crystal Palace.
In any event, Inter are still the club most strongly linked with Retegui, and according to the Gazzetta he would be one of the major attacking targets should Romelu Lukaku not be brought back from Chelsea next season.
A lot will hinge on Lukaku’s future, and also on the contract situation with Boca and Tigre, but what looks clear is that the Nerazzurri are ready to try and make their move.
