Inter Milan could still try to complete a deal for young Udinese midfielder Lazar Samardzic to reinforce their central options.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who report that the signing of Davide Frattesi won’t necessarily mean that the Nerazzurri drop their pursuit of the 21-year-old former RB Leipzig midfielder.
Over the past few days, Inter have reportedly shown an interest in signing Udinese midfielder Samardzic.
What is not clear is how the Nerazzurri landing Sassuolo midfielder Frattesi will affect their pursuit of the Serbian international.
Reports suggested that Samardzic was largely a player who Inter see as a backup target if they were unable to complete a deal for Frattesi, considering Sassuolo were always going to hold out for a significant fee for the 23-year-old Italian international.
However, Frattesi’s arrival may not necessarily mean that Inter’s interest in signing Samardzic is dead in the water.
Rather, the Nerazzurri could very well move for them both.
Inter Milan Could Make Lazar Samardzic Final Midfield Signing Of Summer
Inter still have to replace Roberto Gagliardini in midfield.
The 29-year-old left when his contract with the Nerazzurri ran out at the end of last month.
Inter will not likely want to head into next season with just five senior midfielders in the squad. Therefore, they will very likely make one more midfield signing before the transfer window closes.
However, the fact that Gagliardini left for free will play a role in Inter’s strategy.
The Nerazzurri will hardly have the cash on hand to spend big on a replacement for the ex-Atalanta man.
Therefore, the price tag for Samardzic will be all-important. Udinese reportedly want €20 million for Samardzic, an amount that Inter would want to chip away at.
Should signing Samardzic prove infeasible, Inter may turn their attention to one of the Serb’s teammates from last season. Ex-Juventus and Watford midfielder Roberto Pereyra is available on a free transfer after his Friulani contract expired.