Keita-Inter, Candreva still unconvinced

By Football Italia staff

Keita Balde Diao looks set to arrive at Inter from Monaco, regardless of whether Antonio Candreva wants to move in the opposite direction.

The Senegal international is the subject of strong interest from the Nerazzurri, who are looking to build a squad capable of competing on all fronts this season.

Negotiations between the Serie A and Ligue 1 clubs are ongoing, with Inter initially having offered winger Candreva in part-exchange for Balde.

However, the 31-year-old is still unconvinced by the idea of leaving San Siro.

According to transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, the Italian is intrigued by Inter’s summer transfer moves.

Despite the influx of new arrivals at the club meaning competition for starting places will be extremely tough, Candreva is thought to be in favour of staying and fighting for a place in Luciano Spalletti’s plans.

But Balde is keen on a switch back to Serie A, just a year after leaving Lazio, with Di Marzio reporting that Inter are pushing to sign him at the first possible opportunity.

Should Candreva confirm his intention to stay at Inter, the terms of the deal would have to be renegotiated, but there is still a chance the player will eventually give the green light to a move to Monaco.

Another factor to consider is that the transfer deadlines in Italy and France are different this year.

While Serie A clubs only have until next Friday to finalise incoming deals, Ligue 1 sides can sign players until 31 August.

This means the possibility exists for Balde to join Inter first, with Candreva given more time to consider his options before making a decision.

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