Transfer News: Juventus set to beat Inter Milan in pursuit of Romelu Lukaku

Juventus are on the verge of hijacking Inter Milan’s move for Manchester United star Romelu Lukaku, who is likely to command a transfer fee of £75 million.

According to The Sun, Juventus have emerged as shock favourites to sign Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku. The Italian giants are willing to meet United’s demands that could see the former Chelsea star switch to Turin for a fee of £75 million.

Lukaku was subjected to a move to Inter Milan earlier this summer. In fact, the two parties had also agreed personal terms for the player, but the move has now stalled, paving the way for Juventus to potentially hijack the deal. And this could serve as a massive blow for Inter.

The Milan-based club is keen to secure the services of a new striker after the club’s falling out with Mauro Icardi. The Argentine has been a subject of several off-pitch issues, and after returning late from winter break earlier this year, he was banned for three games and was stripped off of captaincy. As a result, Icardi is likely to leave the club, with Manchester United being one of the potential destinations.

But, missing out on Lukaku means they will now have to shift their attention to another striker while keeping Lautaro Martinez as their number choice in attack for next season.

As for Juventus, they are also set to undergo a squad overhaul, with the likes of Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala linked with a move away from Turin. And their potential departure from the club could open up space for Lukaku in his bid to become Juve’s number one striker next season.

The Belgian, however, will have to compete with Gonzalo Higuain. And though both the strikers lack mobility in the final third, their ability to sense scoring opportunities coupled with their impressive hold-up play will make Bianconeri arguably the most feared attacking team in Italy – an attack that consists of the mercurial Cristiano Ronaldo.

Lukaku’s potential £75 million switch to Juventus will be a win-win scenario for Manchester United, however. The Red Devils are poised to undergo a massive squad overhaul, having already roped in Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. And the departure of this Belgian superstar will allow them to fund a move for a new striker, who can accompany Marcus Rashford in the United attack next season.

Dybala, for one, was eyed as a potential candidate and it could make even more sense if the Premier League giants can sort out a swap deal between the two players, although they will likely have to offer additional fees as well for the Argentine international. It will be interesting to see what transpires in the coming weeks regarding this transfer saga.