Arsenal superstar Alexis Sanchez is a shock target for Inter Milan as they look to become European giant once again
Serie A side also ready to bid for Marquinhos and Marco Verratti with money made available by wealthy Suning Group
INTER MILAN are planning to rival Juventus for the signing of Alexis Sanchez as part of a major summer splurge, according to reports in Italy.
The newly-rich Serie A giants are looking to return to their former glory years.
A move for Lionel Messi had even been mooted, but quickly down played by interim manager, Stefano Pioli.
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report that as well as Sanchez, Inter are looking at defenders Matteo Darmian and Marquinhos as well as Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti and Fiorentina striker, Federico Bernardeschi.
China-based electronics giants, Suning Commerce Group, have acquired 68.55 per cent of the club — and have ambitious plans.
Inter have fallen by the wayside since winning the Treble in 2010 — and have failed to qualify for the Champions League since 2011.
And, after a disappointing start to this season which culminated in the sacking of summer appointment, Frank de Boer, the Nerazzurri have won six in row, to sit five points behind third place Napoli.
While Inter will undoubtedly look to spend big regardless of whether they reach Europe’s premier competition, qualification would no doubt make them a more attractive option.
Sanchez is vital to Arsenal’s hopes of winning a first Premier League title since 2004, but he is yet to put pen-to-paper on a new deal, with his current contract running out in 18 months’ time.
But, Juventus have also made the Chilean their No.1 summer target.
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And he may fancy a return to Serie A, having made his name at Udinese before joining Barcelona in 2011.
Failure to land the Gunners frontman would see Inter turn their attentions to Fiorentina’s Bernardeschi, who has been likened to the great Roberto Baggio in Italy.
The Viola ace is just 22 and is already being looked at by some of the biggest names in Europe.
A summer bid of around £43million is expected.
On the defensive front, Darmian has been a long-term target, though qualification for the Champions League, may see them go for a bigger name.
Manchester United would be willing to sell and the Italian is happy to return to Serie A, but he is definitely just a back-up option.
David Alaba would be the dream, but just that, as they are aware Bayern Munich would not sell him to them.
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While Marquinhos is a more realistic target, it will still be difficult to lure him away from PSG.
In midfield, Inter want to bring in Verratti from the Ligue 1 giants.
The Italian is seen as one of the best midfielders on the continent with the ball and the heir to Andrea Pirlo's throne in the Italy national side.