Inter Milan are offering Borussia Monchengladbach and France star Marcus Thuram around €6 million net per season to sign on a free transfer this summer.

This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who confirm that the Nerazzurri are set to win the race for the 25-year-old’s signature ahead of city rivals AC Milan, with a five-year deal incoming.

Inter’s pursuit of Gladbach striker Thuram has been a long and winding one.

The Nerazzurri had reportedly been very close to signing the Frenchman already in 2021. However, a knee injury to the player prompted them to move on to other targets, signing Joaquin Correa from Lazio instead.

However, Thuram’s availability on a free transfer this summer has reignited their interest.

The Frenchman’s contract with Gladbach runs out at the end of the current month. Gladbach’s Sporting Director Roland Virkus made clear long ago that the player has no intention of signing a new deal.

Inter have been pursuing Thuram as a summer free transfer opportunity. The Nerazzurri have been in talks with the Thuram‘s representatives since the World Cup about a potential summer move.

Meanwhile, all of Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester United have made their attempts, among others.

How Inter Milan Beat City Rivals AC Milan To Marcus Thuram Signing

Clearly Thuram’s contract situation has made the French World Cup finalist an attractive target for all of Europe’s elite. In the past few days, the race for his signature has whittled down to a Milan derby in the transfer market.

AC Milan have strongly pushed to make Thuram a big attacking signing over the past couple weeks. Meanwhile, Inter rejoined the race emphatically just a few days ago.

The Nerazzurri’s re-entry onto the scene has proven to be decisive.

According to the Gazzetta, Thuram has chosen Inter. The past few days have seen whirlwind talks with the Frenchman’s representatives to work out the details on a contract, and he is ready to join the Nerazzurri despite the insistent pushing of their city rivals in the past couple weeks.

Despite the lack of a transfer fee, the deal will still be a big investment from Inter. There are the various fees, commissions, and sign-on bonuses associated with the transfer. These have been worked out in negotiations over the past couple days.

And, in terms of wages, Inter will pay Thuram €6 million net per season. This trumps Milan’s offer of a deal worth €5-5.5 million net per season.

The Frenchman is close to signing a contract with Inter until the end of June 2028.

Dzeko Departure Opens Door For Thuram Arrival At Inter

The Gazzetta notes that part of the reason that this wage offer is attainable for Inter is because of the departure of Edin Dzeko. The Bosnian left Inter after two seasons, joining Fenerbahce on a free transfer.

Former Roma and Manchester City star Dzeko had earned in the region of €6 million net per season at Inter. Therefore, his exit cleared space in the wage budget for Thuram’s arrival.

Moreover, the tax benefits of the Growth Decree are applicable to Thuram’s wages. Therefore, Inter are only on the hook for around €8 million gross expenditure per season to pay the Frenchman.

The Gazzetta also report that Thuram has partly chosen Inter for tactical reasons.

Apart from naturally favouring Inter’s financially superior offer over Milan’s, he also believes that the 3-5-2 system of play will be ideal for him. The 25-year-old likes the idea of playing in a two-striker system.