In a thrilling showdown at San Siro, Olympique de Marseille's sporting director Mehdi Benatia was spotted amidst the excitement of the Coppa Italia quarter-final first leg between AC Milan and Inter Milan on April 2, 2025. However, his presence was not solely for the match; reports indicate that he was there to discuss a potential summer transfer for Brazilian winger Luis Henrique, who has been generating significant interest from several top clubs.
Benatia, a former player for Juventus, has been active in the transfer market, and his visit to Milan comes at a pivotal time. According to Sky Sport Italia, Inter Milan has emerged as a frontrunner in the race to secure Henrique's signature. The Brazilian, who has been a standout performer for Marseille, is reportedly valued at around €30 million to €35 million, a price tag that reflects his impressive contributions this season.
So far, the 23-year-old winger has netted seven goals and provided five assists in Ligue 1, along with two goals and two assists in the Coupe de France. His performances have not gone unnoticed, as clubs like Bayern Munich are also keen on acquiring him. With Inter set to face Bayern in the Champions League, this connection could play a crucial role in Henrique's future.
Henrique has quickly become a key player for Marseille, showcasing his talent and potential in one of Europe’s top leagues. The Brazilian's speed and skill on the ball have made him a nightmare for defenders, and his ability to contribute both in scoring and assisting has solidified his reputation as one of Ligue 1's rising stars.
Inter Milan's interest in Henrique is part of a broader strategy to strengthen their squad ahead of the summer transfer window. The reigning Serie A champions are keen to bolster their attacking options, especially with the upcoming Club World Cup on the horizon. Reports suggest that Inter is looking to finalize a deal swiftly, possibly before the end of the month, to ensure Henrique is integrated into their plans for the tournament.
However, Inter is not alone in their pursuit. Alongside Bayern Munich, clubs like Bayer Leverkusen, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest have also expressed interest in the young winger. While Newcastle and Nottingham have yet to make formal approaches, their admiration for Henrique is clear. This influx of interest could complicate matters for Inter, as they navigate negotiations with Marseille.
Despite the competition, Inter's management believes they hold an advantage due to their established relationship with Marseille, which has been strengthened through previous dealings involving players like Valentín Carboni and Joaquín Correa. This rapport could facilitate a smoother negotiation process, allowing Inter to potentially drive down Henrique's asking price.
As the transfer saga unfolds, the stakes are high for both clubs. For Marseille, selling Henrique at a premium would be a significant financial boost, especially as they look to reinvest in their squad. For Inter, acquiring a player of Henrique's caliber could be pivotal in their quest to retain their Serie A title and make a deep run in European competitions.
With the transfer window approaching, all eyes will be on the negotiations between Inter and Marseille. The outcome could reshape the future for both clubs, especially if Henrique makes a move to the Serie A giants. Fans are eagerly anticipating how this situation will develop, as the excitement surrounding the potential transfer adds another layer to an already thrilling Coppa Italia clash.
In conclusion, the presence of Mehdi Benatia at San Siro symbolizes more than just a scouting mission; it represents the strategic maneuvers taking place behind the scenes in the world of football. As Inter Milan intensifies their pursuit of Luis Henrique, the coming weeks promise to be filled with intrigue and speculation as clubs position themselves for the summer transfer window.
