Inter Milan are ready to reignite their pursuit of Genoa forward Albert Gudmundsson, with Marko Arnautovic potentially unlocking a deal.
This according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.com. They report that Genoa coach Alberto Gilardino would consider allowing Gudmundsson to leave if his club can sign Arnautovic.
Inter’s interest in signing Gudmundsson is hardly a secret.
The Nerazzurri have in fact been eyeing up a deal for the former AZ Alkmaar forward for months.
There have been contacts between Inter and Genoa. And the Nerazzurri have also reportedly approached Gudmundsson, who would be enthusiastic about the move.
However, the interest has never really taken off to date.
Inter have not had the wiggle room to make a concrete offer for Gudmundsson. The presence of Arnautovic as well as Joaquin Correa in the squad has meant that there is something of a traffic jam in attack.
And in the meantime, Fiorentina have moved to try and sign Gudmundsson.
La Viola reportedly see the 26-year-old as a replacement for Nico Gonzalez, who’s strongly linked with a move to Juventus.
Fiorentina have made their move in the last week or so. According to CM, Gudmundsson would be open to the switch.
However, the Tuscans have been unable to seal a deal for Gudmundsson.
A big part of the reason why is that Genoa have been reluctant to accept their offers.
The Ligurian club have just sold Mateo Retegui to Atalanta. Therefore, they are apprehensive about letting another key attacker from last season go – at least without first securing a replacement.
Inter Reignite Albert Gudmundsson Pursuit – Marko Arnautovic Could Be Key To Deal
According to CM, Inter have never really left the scene as far as trying to sign Gudmundsson, though. They’ve just slowed down.
But in the last couple of days, the outlet report, the Nerazzurri have made a new effort to try and sign the Icelander.
According to CM, Inter feel that Genoa’s stance about wanting to sign a replacement could be key.
The Nerazzurri are ready to offer either Arnautovic or Correa as part of a deal for Gudmundsson.
This would kill two birds with one stone for Inter. It would allow them to make the space in their squad to sign Gudmundsson as part of the same deal to actually bring in the Icelandic international.
And according to CM, Genoa coach Gilardino would consider either of Arnautovic or Correa.
However, Gilardino has a particular preference. He is a big fan of Arnautovic, and would happily have the Austrian at his disposal.
Therefore, Arnautovic’s inclusion in a potential deal could be key for Inter to sign Gudmundsson after months of trying.
The 35-year-old former West Ham United and Stoke City striker would be more of a direct replacement for Mateo Retegui as an out-and-out centre-forward than for Gudmundsson.
Then, there would be the matter of Arnautovic accepting the move.
Thus far, the Austrian has not appeared to keen to leave Inter. He is happy to stay for the remaining season on his contract.
However, a move to Genoa would almost certainly mean more playing time for Arnautovic next campaign.
