Inter Milan are looking at Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata and Arsenal starlet Folarin Balogun as backup targets to Romelu Lukaku.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Il Giorno, via FCInter1908, who report that the Nerazzurri have a couple names in mind should they be unable to complete a deal to sign the Chelsea striker for next season.
As things stand, Inter’s priority is to make a deal with Chelsea to sign Lukaku.
The Nerazzurri have no doubt about the plan to bring the Belgian back. And the player is certainly determined to make the move.
However, there is still the matter of negotiations with Chelsea.
The Blues have rejected every one of Inter’s offers for Lukaku so far. Even after the Nerazzurri changed tack to offering a permanent deal instead of a loan move, the Londoners have still continued to hold out for a higher fee.
Accordingly, Il Giorno report, Inter are still considering other options.
If they are unable to agree on a deal with Chelsea, then they’ll have to sign a different striker.
Inter Milan Consider Atalanta’s Zapata & Arsenal’s Balogun As Lukaku Backups
One possible target for Inter would be veteran Atalanta striker Zapata.
The 32-year-old former Udinese, Napoli, and Sampdoria striker has been on the Nerazzurri’s radar plenty of times in the past.
And according to Il Giorno, they would be ready to move in the event that they cannot agree a deal for Lukaku.
Another tack that the Nerazzurri could take would be to go for Arsenal and USA star Balogun.
The 21-year-old enjoyed a breakout campaign 0n loan with Reims last time around.
Arsenal will be holding out for a significant transfer fee to sell Balogun.
However, if Inter do not end up making a deal for Lukaku, then they will have cash to invest in a striker.
In that case, they would consider a move for Balogun, reports Il Giorno.
