Porto’s Mehdi Taremi and Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun are among Inter Milan’s targets if they miss out on signing Romelu Lukaku.
This according to today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who report that the Nerazzurri have a number of possible backup targets in the striker position should their talks with Chelsea to sign Lukaku fall through.
At the moment, Inter’s priority is clear – they want to bring back Romelu Lukaku.
The talks with Chelsea are ongoing as the Nerazzurri increasingly push to complete a deal for the Belgian.
Inter’s strategy has changed to offering a permanent deal for Lukaku after Chelsea firmly rejected all possible offers of another loan deal.
However, whilst the Nerazzurri are hoping this change in approach is decisive, there are no guarantees. If Chelsea aren’t convinced by any of Inter’s offer, they may walk away from talks.
This would leave Inter looking for another target.
Taremi & Balogun Among Inter Milan’s Lukaku Backup Targets
According to the Corriere, Porto striker Taremi is one of the ideas that the Nerazzurri have to sign a striker instead of Lukaku.
The 30-year-old Iranian international would offer European experience and a battling, physical quality up front.
At the other end of the experience spectrum is Arsenal and US international striker Folarin Balogun. The 22-year-old is coming off the back of an exciting loan move with Reims in Ligue 1. He would be an investment for the future.
Arsenal would demand at least €40 million for Balogun’s signature. However, Inter may well be able to afford this if they aren’t putting money towards a deal for Lukaku.
Meanwhile, West Ham United’s Gianluca Scamacca and Atletico Madrid’s Alvaro Morata are two other names on Inter’s shortlist.
Lastly, the Corriere notes, Inter could also decide to strongly reunite their pursuit of Mateo Retegui if they miss out on Lukaku.
