Simone Inzaghi is pushing for Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic as Inter Milan cool their interest in Sassuolo’s Davide Frattesi.
This according to Italian news outlet FCInterNews, who report that the Nerazzurri could be ready to move on from Frattesi due to Sassuolo holding out for a high price tag for the 23-year-old Italy international, with Milinkovic-Savic the next target on their list.
Inter have been pushing to get a deal over the line for Frattesi over the past week or so.
The Nerazzurri’s hope has been to complete a sale of Marcelo Brozovic, and then invest the fee in a bid for the Sassuolo midfielder.
All told, Inter are aiming to offer around €25 million for Frattesi in addition to striker Samuele Mulattieri. Given that they value Mulattieri at €7-8 million, the Nerazzurri’s aim is to sign Frattesi in a deal worth betwen €30 and €35million.
That is now how Sassuolo see things, however. The Nervoerdi are holding out for €40 million, partly in view of the interest from AC Milan, Juventus, and Roma.
Frattesi’s preference is to join Inter. However, the Nerazzurri cannot make a deal to sign him if they are too far away from Sassuolo’s asking price.
Inzaghi Wants Milinkovic-Savic As Inter Reluctant To Meet Frattesi Price Tag
This isn’t necessarily bad news for Inter coach Simone Inzaghi however.
The former Lazio boss has always favoured a reunion with Biancocelesti midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
The pair spent more than five seasons together in the Italian capital. Inzaghi remains a big fan of the Serbian international and would be highly keen on bringing him to Inter.
If the Nerazzurri pull out of the race for Frattesi, they’ll be ready to make their coach happy.
On the one hand, Milinkovic-Savic’s wage demands would be higher than those of Frattesi.
On the other, the Biancocelesti aren’t likely to demand as much as Sassuolo are for Frattesi. The fact that the 28-year-old’s contract runs out at the end of next June more or less forces them to act now if they want to cash in on him for a fee.
According to FCIN, Inter may well be poised to turn their attention to Milinkovic-Savic for good.
