Inter Milan are encountering difficulties in their pursuit of Strasbourg winger Guela Doué, according to reports in Italy. The Nerazzurri had identified the 23-year-old as a potential reinforcement for the right side of defense, but Strasbourg are proving resistant to a sale.
This setback comes after Inter’s deal for Anan Khalaili collapsed following issues discovered during medical examinations. The club had invested 25 million euros in Khalaili, intending him to be the long-term replacement for Denzel Dumfries, but the player’s health concerns led to the deal being cancelled by the Italian authorities. This marks another disappointment for Inter in their search for a right-sided defender, following a previous failed attempt to sign Palestra.
Contacts with Strasbourg have indicated that the French club is unwilling to negotiate, and any potential transfer fee would exceed the amount initially allocated for Khalaili. It is believed that a fee of over 30 million euros would be required to convince Strasbourg to part with Doué, the older brother of Paris Saint-Germain star Désiré Doué. While Inter admire Guela Doué’s physical attributes and defensive capabilities, his style of play is considered less adventurous than what coach Chivu desires.
Inter are now exploring alternative options, with Nahuel Molina of Atlético Madrid and Djed Spence of Tottenham Hotspur among those being considered. Molina, an Argentinian international, has been previously linked with a move to Inter, but a deal has never materialized. Spence, who previously played for Genoa, impressed recently with England and possesses the attacking qualities sought by Chivu. Both players are currently involved in international tournaments, with Molina representing Argentina and Spence with England, complicating potential negotiations. Inter’s sporting director Piero Ausilio and president Beppe Marotta are working to quickly assess the remaining options and secure a suitable replacement.
