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Inter Milan are near to signing Luis Henrique from Olympique Marseille. The Brazilian winger wants to join the Serie A leaders. Talks are moving forward about his contract, but still discussions are ongoing between Inter and Marseille to close a €10 million difference in what they think is a fair price. Bayern Munich also want the 23-year-old player, which could make the final agreement harder to achieve.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Inter Milan and Olympique Marseille are in active discussions about Luis Henrique’s transfer. Inter want to make the Brazilian winger their key summer acquisition. Henrique is agreeing to move there and is excited about the chance to join the Italian top club. Still there’s a gap of about €10 million in the transfer fee, with Marseille wanting €30-35 million and Inter offering close to €25 million. Both clubs could add performance bonuses to settle the difference. In the meantime, Bayern Munich, who are paying attention to Henrique’s progress, still want to sign him, adding another person to compete with Inter for his signature. Bayern are keen on getting powerful attackers before next season starts.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
This season, Luis Henrique is playing his best football at Marseille, with 9 goals and 8 assists in 31 matches across all competitions. Although he had to deal with criticism about inconsistent play, big clubs still want him because he’s talented and flexible. Since they qualified for the new FIFA Club World Cup, the Nerazzurri need more squad depth ahead of the tournament in June. Inter also lead Serie A and are in the semifinals of the Champions League, showing their desire for more local and international success. Marseille are presently outside Ligue 1 top four following a hard campaign, and see selling Henrique as a means to get more financial stability before the end of this financial year.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Inter plan to complete the deal by May so that Henrique plays for Simone Inzaghi’s team at the Club World Cup. Their next Serie A game is against Bologna who are fighting for European football and they’re 4 points ahead of second place Napoli who are chasing them. Bayern Munich are also in first place, 3 points ahead of second place Bayer Leverkusen. This comes after Inter and Bayern having played each other for the Champions League quarter-final yesterday, where Inter managed to go through by 4-3 on aggregate.
So if talks between Inter and Marseille end up failing, Bayern want to come back. Marseille, meanwhile, who are out of European places and facing Lens next at Ligue 1, may have to decrease their demands as they approach deadline day. Inter hope they can close the gap with rivals while rivals keep their interest in one of the most in-demand young talents in the summer.
