Atletico Madrid swoop for Solet at €25m, as Inter risk missing out again

Inter risk losing another player they thought was under wraps, because there are reports in France that Atletico Madrid will target Udinese defender Oumar Solet.

The Nerazzurri are reeling from being on the verge of finalising details with Atalanta for Marco Palestra, to being blown out of the water by Chelsea’s sudden swoop.

They refused to match the bid of €55m plus €5m add-ons, while Chelsea could also propose double their salary package to the player.

Now they are feeling anxious about another long-term transfer target whose negotiations have dragged on for months.

According to Footmercato and La Gazzetta dello Sport, Atletico Madrid are ready to make an offer for Udinese defender Solet, who has an asking price of circa €25m.

Once again, although basic personal terms were agreed, Inter are taking too long to get the fee worked out with his club, and the situation remains up in the air.

Their bid so far is believed to be just over €20m, hoping to bridge the gap with bonuses.

Because so much depends on player sales first, most notably Yann Bisseck and Stefan de Vrij, the Nerazzurri risk being gazumped yet again on the transfer market.

Atletico Madrid have form, as they had already swooped in for Ademola Lookman from Atalanta after weeks of Inter talks failed to reach a deal.