INTER MILAN are reportedly chasing a £146MILLION cash injection to ensure they can compete next season.
A raft of expensive transfers and the coronavirus pandemic have combined to create a financial black hole at the Italian club.
Nico Barella and Romelu Lukaku are just two of Inter Milan’s expensive purchasesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
According to the Financial Times, majority shareholders Suning Holdings have so far unsuccessfully negotiated a possible investment with a number of firms.
Private equity group BC Partners are said to have ended talks with Inter’s Chinese owners after failing to agree on the price of an investment.
Suning have reportedly discussed either selling a portion of their stake in the club, potentially at a loss, or a full takeover with a number of firms.
The Serie A side are thought to be valued at around £785m by the group with BC Partners leaning closer to £650m.
Should a deal fail to be agreed, the cash injection is reported as vital to Inter’s ability to compete after the summer.
Chinese giant Suning are said to be experiencing mounting debt problems back home amid political pressure on companies directing capital out of the country to foreign businesses.
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Inter’s Chinese president Steven Zhang is facing pressure at home and abroadCredit: Getty – Pool
Since buying the Milan club for £235m in 2016, Inter president Steven Zhang, son of Suning founder Zhang Jindong, has pledged millions to the transfer market.
Achraf Hakimi, Romelu Lukaku and Nico Barella have all arrived for big fees.
While the likes of Stefano Sensi, Valentino Lazaro and Ionat Radu have so far failed to live up to their large price tags.
And veteran stars Christian Eriksen, Alexis Sanchez, Ashley Young, Aleksandar Kolarov and Arturo Vidal are all expected to be on considerable wage packets.
In reply, only Mauro Icardi and Gabriel Barbosa have been sold for large fees.
Inter suffered a further financial blow when missing out on a place in this season’s Champions League last-16, even dropping out of Europe altogether after finishing bottom of their group.
Antonio Conte will hope to justify the spending and tempt in new money with the Biscione’s title push.
The team currently sat two points behind leaders and neighbours AC Milan.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk