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Could Inter strengthen front with Gerard Deulofeu?

Reports are Nerazzurri could seek loan deal for Barca forward.

Barcelona v Eibar - La Liga
Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates with his team mate Gerard Deulofeu of FC Barcelona after scoring his team's first goal from the penalty spot during the La Liga match between Barcelona and SD Eibar at Camp Nou on September 19, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain.
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

In the midst of their third loss in a row – including Wednesday’s disappointing 1-0 loss to AC Milan in the Coppa Italia quarterfinals – questions continue to surround what Inter Milan management may do in the January transfer window.

The latest discussion involves a potential loan deal for FC Barcelona forward and Spanish international Gerard Deulofeu.

So far this season, Deulofeu has made 16 appearances – five starts -- for Barcelona, scoring two goals with three assists in limited action.

Deulofeu started his football career with Barcelona’s youth squad. He was loaned to Everton in the 2013-14 season then loaned out to Sevilla in the 2014-15 campaign. The 23-year-old went back to Everton after being picked up on a €6 million transfer fee.

In January 2017, Deulofeu was loaned to AC Milan for €700,000. He was shipped back to Everton after the 2017 season then sold back to the Blaugrana for €12 million.

During his one season with the Rossoneri, Deulofeu scored four goals and had three assists. Over his career, he has scored 44 times – 27 of those for Barcelona’s B squad – and added 40 assists – 19 coming with Everton.

Diario Sport has reported Inter Milan has not only started negotiations for a two-year transfer deal for Deulofeu, but for right-back Aleix Vidal. The deal would include the two years on loan with a forced option to purchase after the loan deal concludes. This would avoid any Financial Fair Play this season for Inter as the squad will have to raise nearly €70 million by the end of the year to avoid any violations.

The 28-year-old Vidal has bounced between several clubs in Spain – mainly B squads with Reus, RCD Espanyol, Gimnastic, Mallorca and Almeria. He spent a season with Sevilla – playing in 47 games, scoring six goals and assisting on 11 With Barcelona, Vidal has played in 40 games, scoring four times and adding 11 assists.

The report suggests Vidal is looking at other options within Spain – although AS Roma could also be an option -- while Deulofeu would welcome a move to the San Siro with Inter.


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