Starting during the January transfer window, the idea that Tahith Chong could be an Inter player next year continues to trundle along in Italy.
The young winger is out of contract at Manchester United in June, leading to interest from around Europe in his services for a free transfer.
So far, the Serie A side have been the most insistent in trying to acquire the Dutchman, but have failed to find an agreement so far, perhaps hindered by the player’s initial contractual demands.
Despite this, talks seem to continue, and Corriere dello Sport push the story a bit more on Monday, believing the player ‘will release himself’ from United in the summer, but he might not immediately go to Inter.
As has been touted before, the Italian newspaper explain there is a chance Chong, as part of the deal, could end up initially playing for Jiangsu Suning in China before making the move to the San Siro.
Why that is isn’t said, but perhaps there’s a feeling he might not immediately have a space at Inter, and some time as a starter elsewhere could do him some good.
Going the other way is likely to be Alexis Sánchez, despite his assist at the weekend for Matías Vecino, as getting a deal sorted for him remains a tough ask for the Italian club.
Corriere point out any permanent transfer would require ‘finding an agreement with Manchester United’ and the Chilean’s salary of €12m/year after tax remains ‘out of market’ for them.
That’s why they’ve turned their attention to Dries Mertens, whose wages are a far more affordable €5m/year net plus commissions, and who would be free of charge as his contract, like Chong’s, expires in the summer.
It’s not stated the Belgian’s arrival would hinder the possibility of the United youngster also coming in, so perhaps they’ll sign the Napoli forward for a couple of years while the 20-year-old finds some game time elsewhere.
Once Mertens then moves on, they have a ready made replacement in Chong, whom they can bring back with a snap of their fingers.
Easy peasy, right?
