Inter Milan has stepped up their pursuit of Barcelona’s target, who will become a free agent in the summer.
The Italian champions have had a recent meeting with the agent of the forward, putting them in the frame for a five-year contract worth €10 million a year plus bonuses as they seek to improve their attack for the 2024/25 campaign.
Barcelona once followed him as a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski, but coach Hansi Flick has chosen to continue having faith in the Polish forward for the next season at least.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the player is Jonathan David.
David’s preference is a switch to Barcelona, although the Catalan club have thus far taken the cold water option.
The club hierarchy has postponed their hunt for a new No. 9 until 2026, and David can now seek another option.
Inter Milan, on the strength of a Serie A title and a sound Champions League run, view the 24-year-old as the perfect signing to partner Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram.
With his contract running out, David is a rare free-cost option for a player who has netted 84 goals in 183 games for Lille.
Even Inter’s best effort is not sufficient to close the deal.
David’s side is reported to be taking their time in hopes of a last-minute bid from Barcelona or another elite European club.
But with Barcelona being careful about the books and Flick insisting on Lewandowski, the Canadian may be compelled to reconsider Inter’s lucrative offer.
The Nerazzurri’s gamble—with Champions League football and a proven system in Simone Inzaghi—may prove to be the clincher.
For Inter, capturing David would be a coup in that it would add a lively, high-pressure forward to fortify their Champions League-winning unit.
For Barcelona, the context emphasizes their strategic transfer policy despite the actions of their rivals within the market.
As the window approaches, David’s decision will decide whether patience or desire will dictate his next club.
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