Inter Milan is intensifying its pursuit of Brazilian winger Luis Henrique, aiming to finalize a deal before the end of May 2025, ensuring his availability for the upcoming Club World Cup. The 23-year-old, currently playing for Marseille, has caught the attention of several top European clubs, but Inter is working diligently to secure his signature ahead of competitors like Bayern Munich.
Having made initial contact with Marseille three weeks ago, Inter's management believes it has a unique advantage in negotiations. The club values Henrique at approximately 22 to 25 million euros, while Marseille is holding firm on a price tag between 30 and 35 million euros. The two clubs are currently in discussions, with Inter's sporting director Beppe Marotta looking to bridge the gap in valuation.
During a recent derby match at San Siro, Mehdi Benatia, Marseille's sporting director, was in attendance, further fueling speculation about the ongoing negotiations. His presence was noted as a key indicator of potential developments in the transfer talks. "We are in continuous contact with Marseille," said a source close to the negotiations. "We want to finalize the deal soon to have Luis ready for the Club World Cup."
Henrique, known for his speed and technical ability, would provide a much-needed offensive option for Inter, especially given the current injury woes affecting their right-wing position. The Brazilian has demonstrated his prowess this season, tallying 9 goals and 7 assists in 29 appearances across Ligue 1 and the French Cup. This performance has solidified his reputation as a rising star in European football.
Moreover, Inter's strategy includes presenting a solid sporting project to Henrique's entourage, which is expected to be complemented by a competitive salary offer. The club aims to announce the signing by the end of May, aligning with their plans for the Club World Cup.
Vincent Kompany, the coach of Bayern Munich, was also spotted at the derby, indicating that the German giants are monitoring Henrique's situation closely. However, as of now, Bayern has not made any concrete steps towards securing the player, which allows Inter to capitalize on its early engagement.
In addition to negotiating with Marseille, Inter is exploring innovative strategies to reduce the financial burden of the transfer. Reports suggest that the club is considering a player swap, with young midfielder Kristjan Asllani potentially being offered as a part of the deal. This tactic could help lower the cash component of the transfer fee while also providing Marseille with a promising talent.
Inter's management has expressed confidence in their ability to negotiate a favorable deal. "We have a good relationship with Marseille, which could facilitate a successful outcome for both clubs," a club official stated. The ongoing discussions reflect Inter's commitment to enhancing their squad depth and competitiveness ahead of next season.
As the transfer window approaches, the excitement surrounding Luis Henrique's potential move to Inter continues to build. Fans eagerly await further updates, hoping for a swift conclusion to the negotiations that will see the talented Brazilian don the Nerazzurri colors. With the Club World Cup on the horizon, securing Henrique would be a significant boost to Inter's ambitions on the international stage.
In summary, Inter Milan is making strategic moves to secure Luis Henrique from Marseille, aiming to finalize a deal by the end of May. With a competitive offer and a solid sporting project in place, the club is optimistic about bringing the talented winger to the San Siro, enhancing their squad for the upcoming challenges.
