Rumour: Chelsea and Everton target Axel Witsel agrees personal terms with Inter Milan
Inter Milan have agreed personal terms with Belgian International star Axel Witsel, according to reports from Gazzetta dello Sports. The Italian journal is convinced of Witsel joining the Beneamata side this summer but have expressed concerns over Zenit’s €22m valuation.
Witsel has just one year left on his contract and that is why Inter are keen to bring the price down after Witsel refused a contract extension earlier this summer.
The 27-year-old star has made his intentions of quitting Zenit clear to the Russian side as he seeks a new challenge next season. Premier League duo Chelsea and Everton are also linked with the combative midfielder but it seems that Witsel is keen on joining Inter Milan this summer.
According to Gazzetta, Inter have agreed to pay Witsel a €3m-per-year salary package which was enough to convince the Belgian ace and bring an end to the 4-year stay with Zenit.
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Witsel joined the Russian side back in 2012 and has since made over 125 appearances, scoring 19 goals in the process. He recently played a crucial role in Belgium’s campaign Euro 2016 where the Red Devils reached the quarter-finals .
Inter Milan’s manager Roberto Mancini has been looking to bring in a new midfielder to San Siro and pair him with the ever-impressive Geoffrey Kondogbia.
The Nerazzurri have struggled in domestic league in recent seasons where despite Mancini’s arrival, things have not improved for them. Inter finished fourth last season, 13 points behind the third placed team AS Roma.
Club president Erick Thohir is keen to invest big on the squad overhaul this summer and challenge the likes of Napoli, Juventus and Roma for the Scudetto next season.
Inter have been busy in the transfer market this season after completing the signings of Dodo (left back), Marcelo Brozovic (centre midfield) and Ever Banega (attacking midfield). However with Witsel’s arrival, Inter will be one of the favorites for the league title next season.
Elsewhere Mauro Icardi’s uncertain future has continued to worry Inter and their fans. The Argentine striker is linked with a £42m move to Arsenal after reports of his wife and agent being in London surfaced last night. Gazzetta claims that Gunners are keen to sign Icardi and are willing to offer him a salary package of £110k-per-week.