Inter Milan’s transfer window has come to life in the last few hours, with contacts for their top priority targets Joao Mario and Gabriel Barbosa intensifying. The latter is reportedly flying to Italy to complete a deal with Inter Milan.
Sky Italy’s Gianluca Di Marzio reported earlier today that Gabigol is flying to Italy after Inter entered into advanced negotiations with Santos on Thursday. A five-year deal is ready for the player with a total of €25 million paid to the parties involved. Negotiations with Brazilian clubs are often complicated by the involvement of third parties, which are illegal in England. As such, Santos will probably have to share the transfer fee with other parties who own some of Gabigol’s rights.
The Brazilian League ends in December, which is the major reason behind Santos wanting the player on loan till the end of the season. Last year, Roma signed Gerson from Fluminense and complied with the Brazilian club’s wishes by sending him back on loan till the end of the Brazilian season. AC Milan are set to adopt a similar formula for 23-year-old Rodrigo Caio.
Gabigol also reportedly wishes to remain with the Santos team and fulfil his commitments according to Di Marzio, but Inter want the player right away. The deal is yet not done as the player wants to visit the club to see if it is the right environment for his growth and development as a player. As such, Inter’s infrastructure and club setup in general will have to satisfy Gabigol before he gives them the green light.
Inter are open to the idea of letting the player stay in Brazil for another 6 months but aren’t too inclined towards leaving out a player who could prove crucial to their season despite his tender age. The Nerazzuri are striving for some stability right now and the new owners are doing everything they can to provide Frank de Boer with a team worthy of competing with the likes of Napoli and Juventus.
Calciomercato reported that negotiations with Sporting for Joao Mario are also at an advanced stage, as Inter representatives were in Portugal recently to complete the deal for the European champion.
The Joao Mario saga has been a season-long one, with Sporting holding firm on their demands and Inter continually trying newer formulas to capture the youngster. However, it seems increasingly certain now that the 23-year-old will join his new teammate Gabigol at Inter this summer.
