Inter Pip Napoli to the Post to Sign Lens Midfielder | OneFootball

Inter have concluded their relatively quick search for a new midfielder by landing Andy Diouf from Lens with a laser-quick negotiation. The Frenchman will be in Milan for the medicals and the formalities on Friday, La Gazzetta dello Sport relays.

The Nerazzurri turned their focus to him after getting rebuffed by Roma for Manu Koné and moving on from Ademola Lookman. They’ll shell out a lot less for the 22-year-old, as they concurred to a €20M fee plus €5M add-ons. His wages are modest, €2M per year.

Diouf will switch two years after two sold campaigns at Lens, during which he totaled 2 goals and 2 assists in 68 matches. He grew up in Rennes’ youth system but broke out at Basel before returning to France. He has two caps with the national team.

The Nerazzurri decided to sign a physical and energetic midfielder after hitting a major roadblock for Lookman. They struck on their second attempt, as Roma resisted the approach for their star despite a €40M offer. Napoli were seriously interested as well, but lost their advantage as they had to concentrate on their attack after the Romelu Lukaku blow.

Kristjan Asllani is headed to Torino instead of Bologna on a €1.5M season-long loan with a conditional €12M obligation to buy. The only other midfielder for sale is Piotr Zielinski. Davide Frattesi could depart only for an offer of € 40M or more.

Our Take on Inter Adding Diouf

It’s a proper return to form by their management, which aren’t used to refusals and protracted sagas. He’s not on par yet with the other options they eyed, but he has upside and the skill-set they were seeking, and it’s a typical cost-effective signing.