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It has become the worst kept secret from Italy to the United States (okay, that might be a slight exaggeration, but not by much):
Inter Milan really, really, really, really want to keep Rafinha for next season.
Our brothers at Barca Blaugranes have written about it here. And, of course, we have covered the topic as well here and here.
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The problem facing Inter Milan management is what it always is … money.
In order to sign Rafinha permanently, Inter will have to cough up €35 million.
But, oh wait … what is that I hear … a bargain perhaps?
According to Calciomercato.com and Corriere dello Sport, Inter management are hoping Barcelona will drop their €35 million request to something more palatable for our ownership. Currently, transfermarkt.com has Rafinha valued at €15 million, but it isn’t likely Barcelona will be that generous.
Don’t get me wrong, Rafinha has looked to be closer and closer to full strength each game and has really impressed on the pitch, but €35 million? I’m just not there yet.
I do think Inter should try to whittle the price down and I think they should sign him, but certainly not for €35 million.
Consider, we still are looking to sign Joao Cancelo – another deal I think should happen – from Valencia and, thus far, we don’t have a lot of capital coming in. Geoffrey Kondogbia will bring in a bit, but we aren’t likely to get much, if anything, for Yuto Nagatomo or Joao Mario.
But, remember sports fans, this will all be for naught if Inter fails to qualify for the Champions League – of which they are one spot back and a point off of Roma heading into this weekend’s matchup with Atalanta.
What do you think? Post your comments below!