Inter Milan are likelier to sign Arsenal and USMNT striker Folarin Balogun than Atletico Madrid’s Alvaro Morata.
This according to today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who report that the price tag and the player’s preference mean that a move for Morata is less likely, whilst the Nerazzurri’s pursuit of Balogun is heating up.
Inter’s search for a striker for next season looks to have reduced into a two-horse race.
On the one hand, there is former Juventus, Real Madrid, and Chelsea striker Morata.
According to the Corriere, the 30-year-old is Inter coach Simone Inzaghi’s preferred signing. The coach wants to bring in Morata for his experience in Serie A, and use him in a similar role to how he has Edin Dzeko over the past two seasons.
However, there are two main reasons why a move for Morata doesn’t look overly likely at the moment.
Firstly, there’s Atletico’s asking price. The Colchoneros want €20.5 million for the Spaniard.
This is not a formal release clause, but a kind of gentleman’s agreement regarding the amount they’d have to sell Morata for to avoid taking a capital loss.
The other main reason, the Corriere reports, is that Morata still prefers a move to Roma over other destinations.
Inter Milan’s Pursuit Of Balogun Alive Despite Morata Holdups
Whereas Inter would only be willing to offer something like €13 million plus €2 million in add-ons for Morata given the Spaniard’s age, they would have no such reservations about a high fee when it comes to Arsenal striker Balogun.
Unlike Morata, the American is still at the start of his career. He has plenty of room to grow over the next few seasons.
Moreover, Balogun’s season on loan with Reims last campaign has fully convinced Inter.
The club’s directors are more inclined towards Balogun, despite Inzaghi’s preference of moving for Morata.
According to the Corriere, Inter could offer as much as €35 million plus €5 million in add-ons for Balogun.
