Inter Milan are plotting a move for Udinese midfielder Lazar Samardzic, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Nerazzurri are looking to reinvest the proceeds from Marcelo Brozovic’s move to Al-Nassr into recruiting his replacement, and Samardzic has popped up on their radar.
Inter will pocket around €18m from Brozovic’s departure to Saudi Arabia, and filling the void left by the Croatia international is a primary objective for the Coppa Italia champions.
Samardzic enjoyed a terrific individual campaign with Udinese last season, racking up five goals and four assists in 37 league games to help Andrea Sottil’s side finish 12th in Serie A.
His impressive season has seen him emerge as a summer target for the Nerazzurri, who are struggling to finalise a move for Sassuolo’s Davide Frattesi.
Inter had identified Frattesi as a priority target, but the Neroverdi are demanding €35 million for the 23-year-old – a figure which the cash-strapped Nerazzurri are struggling to stump up.
Juventus, AC Milan and AS Roma are also on his tail, meaning Inter will struggle to close the deal despite reports suggesting they have an agreement with Sassuolo.
Inter are also focusing on signing Chelsea loanee Romelu Lukaku on a permanent deal which has forced the club to consider other alternatives to replace Brozovic.
Samardzic could prove a shrewd acquisition for Simone Inzaghi’s side, but Udinese will demand they fork out around €20m to lure him away from Darcia Arena this summer.
Udinese’s demands are feasible for Inter to match, but the three-time European champions would still depend on departures before funding a move for Samardzic.
Inter are expecting a proposal from Manchester United for goalkeeper Andre Onana, but the Red Devils are focused on finalising Mason Mount’s transfer from Chelsea.
The Italians are reportedly demanding at least €50m plus bonuses for the Cameroonian shot-stopper, but the Premier League giants are reluctant to match their asking price.
