La Gazzetta dello Sport report that Genoa forward Albert Gudmundsson has given priority to joining Inter this summer. The Icelandic international has scored 16 goals in 34 appearances for the Rossoblù and looks certain to depart the club this summer, having generated interest from the Nerazzuri, Juventus and a number of Premier League sides.
Gazzetta outline how Inter have had their eyes on the 26-year-old talent for some time, given his technique, physical strength, and versatility, making him a perfect fit for the ambitious project that will unfold on five fronts next season: Serie A, Coppa Italia, Supercoppa, Champions League, and the new Club World Cup.
‘Gud’ can operate as a second striker, winger, or midfielder. The problem (for Inter) is that his stellar season with Genoa – 16 goals and 3 assists in total – has attracted the attention of other clubs. Inter cannot afford a bidding war, especially since everything is on hold (including contract renewals for Barella, Inzaghi, and Lautaro) until May 20, the deadline for Oaktree’s loan and the refinancing being worked on by president Steven Zhang. Moreover, unable to end the next transfer market in the red, they must first raise funds to collect the €30 million demanded by Genoa. Genoa, resigned to losing their leader, must raise funds to finance their own incoming transfers.
Gazzetta detail how there are many young Inter players whose sacrifice could facilitate an agreement with Genoa. The most valuable asset is Valentin Carboni, already in the Argentine setup, who had a good season on loan at Monza. Inter could wait for a bidding war to raise the €30 million required. In January, Inter turned down a €20 million offer from Fiorentina for Carboni, who is unlikely to be directly involved in the Gudmundsson deal but could be part of a separate negotiation. He could instead become a technical counterpart, especially since he shares similarities with the Icelander.
Another candidate is Gaetano Oristanio, a 22-year-old former Volendam player who went on loan to Cagliari last July with a buyback option and a counter-buyback clause set at €4 million. However, his value may have increased after a good spell in Sardinia, especially before a foot injury that affected his early months of 2024. Mattia Zanotti, a right-back who has accumulated over 2500 minutes in the Swiss Super League with San Gallo, with 2 goals and 4 assists, and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, a 19-year-old Nigerian midfielder who joined Inter’s Primavera in January 2023, also have several suitors. This season, Akinsanmiro has often been called up to the first team, making his Serie A debut in the away game against Lecce.
Gudmundsson remains the preferred option for an attack that will lose Alexis Sanchez and possibly Marko Arnautovic (not forgetting Correa, who will return to Milan if Marseille does not win the Europa League but could move to Saudi Arabia). However, Inter’s market personnel have a plan B ready that leads to George Ilenikhena, an 18-year-old French-Nigerian forward who is making a name for himself (28 appearances and 8 goals) at Antwerp. There’s also a risk of a bidding war for the “new Osimhen,” but Inter remains vigilant.
