Serie A underachievers Torino have reportedly withdrawn from the race to sign Inter Milan misfit Marko Arnautovic.
According to Tuttosport via FCInterNews, Urbano Cairo’s side cannot afford the Austrian’s substantial annual wages.
Indeed, the 35-year-old earns €3.5 million net per season at Giuseppe Meazza.
While Torino wouldn’t need a significant financial sacrifice to convince Inter to sell, they can’t meet the striker’s salary demands.
The Granata could go up to €2.7m per year, which would require Arnautovic to take a pay cut.
However, he’s not willing to do so.
After several inquiries, Torino technical director Davide Vagnati has decided to pull the plug on the deal.
Torino No Longer Keen on Inter Milan Veteran Marko Arnautovic
With Torino out of the picture, Arnautovic could leave Serie A for good next month.
His contract at Inter runs out at the end of the season.
Since the club has already informed him he won’t be offered a new deal, Arnautovic’s departure is only a matter of time.
Back in the summer, he turned down several foreign advances.
But the situation could change in January.
Some unnamed United States and Saudi Arabia clubs are hot on Arnautovic’s trail.
Unlike Torino, the financial aspect wouldn’t be an issue for wealthy non-European powerhouses.