Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun and Atletico Madrid’s Alvaro Morata are at the top of Inter Milan’s shortlist of striker signings.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who report that the Nerazzurri are also keeping track of a few other names as they search for a striker in the wake of the surprise conclusion to their chase of Romelu Lukaku.
Everything is now over between Inter and Lukaku.
After weeks of trying to get a deal done with Chelsea for the Belgian, the Nerazzurri have pulled the plug. The fact that Lukaku decided to negotiate with Juventus has meant that Inter will completely reject the possibility of bringing him back.
This means that the Nerazzurri now must consider alternatives to the 30-year-old.
And there is no shortage of possibilities available on the market.
Foremost in Inter’s thinking appears to be Arsenal and USMNT star Folarin Balogun.
The 22-year-old would carry a hefty price tag – around €40 million. But Inter are not put off by that amount.
The Nerazzurri have been tracking Balogun all throughout last season, and they see the US international as being worth a big investment, particularly given that he is at an age where he can continue to develop and will have plenty of resale value.
Balogun On Inter Milan’s Post-Lukaku Shortlist – So Is Morata
At the other end of the experience spectrum to Balogun would be ex-Real Madrid, Juventus, and Chelsea striker Morata.
The Gazzetta report that the Spaniard is the other big name on Inter’s striker shortlist.
Morata would cost far less than Balogun – his release clause will reportedly drop from €20 million to €12 million. And the 30-year-old is certainly a proven commodity in Serie A after four seasons with the Bianconeri.
Morata would not be an investment for the future like Balogun would. However, if Inter aim to go the shorter-term route, Morata is a name they like very much.
Meanwhile, Porto’s Mehdi Taremi, Udinese’s Beto, and Montpellier’s Elye Wahi are also on Inter’s list.
