Serie A giants Inter Milan have reached a verbal agreement with Sassuolo to sign Davide Frattesi, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
The negotiations gained momentum after a crucial meeting between Inter and Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali.
Inter aim to finalise the agreement within the next 24 to 48 hours.
Despite strong interest from AC Milan and a last-ditch attempt from Napoli, Inter are in pole position to acquire Frattesi.
The Coppa Italia champions are reportedly confident about securing the highly sought-after midfielder.
While AS Roma also expressed interest in signing the 23-year-old, he seems destined to join Inter.
Roma’s sell-on clause worth 30% of any future deal would have complicated their move for Frattesi.
The Italian midfielder scored seven goals and created three big chances in 36 Serie A appearances last season.
The agreement between Inter and Sassuolo entails an initial loan move for the midfielder, with an obligation to buy.
The deal is valued at €25 million, accompanied by the inclusion of young talent Samuele Mulattieri. Inter value Mulattieri at €8 million.
Inter’s CEO, Beppe Marotta, had long strategised funding the acquisition of Frattesi through the sale of Marcelo Brozovic.
After a week of dramatic negotiations, Brozovic has completed his move to Al-Nassr. The transfer has provided the financial means for Inter to pursue Frattesi.
The move will add depth to Inter’s already formidable squad. Frattesi will likely partner Hakan Calhanoglu and Nicolo Barella in midfield.
Inter also have several other moves in the pipeline as they strive to build a squad capable of challenging for the Serie A title next season.
