With reports Inter have agreed a €10m deal with Bologna for Marko Arnautovic, some clues are emerging as to their strategy that includes Joaquin Correa and the need for a new defender.
Sky Sport Italia claim this afternoon that the two clubs have shaken hands on the agreement and Arnautovic will be in Milan either this evening or tomorrow morning for his medical.
The €10m package is believed to be at least €8m guaranteed, plus performance-related bonuses for the 34-year-old Austria international.
His salary is believed to be worth €2m per season including bonuses, penning for two years.
This has raised quite a few eyebrows among Inter fans, especially after a summer spent pursuing far younger targets.
According to Calciomercato.com, it is part of a wider strategy that was also forced to change now that the season kicks off within days.
Medhi Taremi would still cost €30m from FC Porto and Arsenal wanted €50m for Folarin Balogun, so Arnautovic remains a relatively cheap alternative, even for his age.
It also might not be the end of the transfer window, because Correa remains on the market after initially turning down offers from the Saudi Pro League.
His sale would enable Inter to put aside an extra €10-15m to invest in a defender, such as Merih Demiral of Atalanta, Tottenham Hotspur’s Japhet Tanganga and Arsenal man Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Considering Demiral is not part of Atalanta’s plans, a loan with option to buy could be possible towards the end of the summer.
10 million euros for him? Lmao oh wow Inter really aren’t capable of signing anyone. This has panic buy written all over it.
We have to sell good players and bargain basement hunt after being champions league finalists