Kylian Mbappe leaving PSG could be the catalyst for Juventus signing Romelu Lukaku ahead of Inter Milan.
This is the suggestion in today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who report that if the Parisians lose Mbappe they’ll aim for Bianconeri striker Dusan Vlahovic, and that Lukaku is lined up as the Serb’s replacement in Turin.
In recent days, Rome-based newspaper the Corriere has defied the trend in reporting about Lukaku.
Whilst virtually all other reporting on the Belgian has reached the consensus that the 30-year-old only wants Inter, the Rome-based newspaper has continued down the path of linking the player with Juventus.
According to the Corriere, the talks between Juventus and the Belgian have been underway since March.
They suggest that the player would not be as closed-off to the idea of making the switch as he may seem.
However, Juventus would still need to make the decisive offer to make it happen. And, the Corriere anticipates, a shock move for France superstar Mbappe could set off a chain reaction that would allow the Bianconeri to make the move.
How Mbappe Leaving PSG Could Allow Juventus To Nab Lukaku
Mbappe’s future in the French capital currently looks uncertain.
The 24-year-old has decided against extending his contract past the end of next June. This has set off a high-profile transfer saga.
PSG have clearly indicated that, should Mbappe not extend his deal, they want to sell him.
The French champions don’t want there to be a risk of losing such a high-value player on a free transfer in twelve months. They will aim to cash in for a big fee this summer instead.
And Real Madrid are in the background, with their long-stated interest in signing the Frenchman.
It’s not a foregone conclusion that Los Blancos will have the funds on hand to sign Mbappe. If they do decide to move, however, PSG will listen to their offers.
And if the Parisians do lose their star man, they’ll act fast to make a big name attacking signing.
And according to the Corriere, Juventus striker Vlahovic is the man they want to go after. PSG would be ready to make a large cash offer for the former Fiorentina star.
If the Bianconeri do lose Vlahovic, they have an idea of who they want to replace him – it’s Lukaku. And with the fee from a Vlahovic sale in pocket, they’d be ready to make an offer that satisfies Chelsea’s asking price.
Therefore, Inter may have to act fast if they want to avoid the threat of a shock Juventus swoop for the Belgian.