Inter Milan’s pursuit of Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele could succeed or fail based on the events of the next few days, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
The Sky Sports Italy journalist has claimed on his personal website the Serie A giants are working on a deal to prise the Belgian from Spurs but face competition from super-rich Chinese clubs.
Di Marzio explains the closure of the Chinese transfer window on Friday is “excellent news” for Inter as a huge bid from China is the main obstacle to Inter signing the Belgium international this summer.
Good move for Tottenham?
Definitely not. Dembele is irreplaceable. No central midfielder in the Premier League fuses technique and power in the same way as the Belgian monster, whose performances in February and March were on such an elevated level that Spurs fans were harking back to peak Paul Gascoigne as they attempted to recall the last time a midfielder had dominated marquee matches to the same extent. Sure, Dembele turns 31 next week and his body is struggling to cope with the demands of playing two matches a week in a division as brutally competitive as the English top flight. But Tottenham will not be able to bring in an equivalent player, because there just isn’t one.
This Is Futbol rating 2/10
Likely to happen?
It appears almost certain that Dembele will take leave of Tottenham after six years this summer. Where he will head to is not nailed on, although it appears to be a slug-fest between Inter and Chinese clubs. The Friday deadline will be key and, if that passes without a mega bid from the Asian clubs, expect the Belgian to sign for the Nerazzurri over the next month.
This Is Futbol rating 7/10