Inter Milan have leapfrogged Serie A rivals AS Roma in the race to sign Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata, according to FCInter1908.
Morata’s representative, Juanma Lopez, arrived in Italy yesterday to meet Roma sporting director Tiago Pinto to finalise the player’s move to the Stadio Olimpico.
However, Atletico’s terms proved too much for Roma to handle, and the Giallorossi are now considering other options in their search for a new centre-forward.
Inter have taken advantage of Lopez’s presence in Italy to hold talks with the agent over a potential deal that will see Morata end up at San Siro Stadium this summer.
Atletico are demanding €20 million to part ways with the Spanish striker, who has just 12 months left on his contract at the Civitas Metropolitano.
Inter had prioritised a permanent transfer for Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku and had lodged a bid for the Belgian that matched the demands of the Premier League club.
However, in a stunning turn of events, reports emerged that Lukaku has opened talks with direct rivals Juventus over a potential move, which angered Inter’s hierarchy.
The Nerazzurri have since pulled out of the race for Lukaku, and Morata has emerged as their primary target, with Simone Inzaghi believed to be a long-term admirer of the Spanish striker.
The 30-year-old was part of Spain’s squad that won the Nations League tournament in the Netherlands, with La Roja overcoming Croatia on penalties.
He also played an important role in Atletico’s La Liga campaign, spurring Diego Simeone’s side to a third-place finish with 13 goals and two assists in 36 league appearances.
AC Milan were one of the clubs interested in luring Morata back to the Serie A, but the Rossoneri are currently focused on other targets in the transfer window, including Porto’s Mehdi Taremi.
