Bologna’s Lucumí Eyed by Inter as €28m Deadline Looms on 15 July | OneFootball

Inter Milan are pursuing Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumí and have proposed Ebenezer Akinsanmiro as a makeweight in a potential deal, with a €28 million release clause set to expire on 15 July concentrating minds on both sides.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, citing Corriere dello Sport, the Nerazzurri have already made preliminary enquiries at Bologna and are now assessing whether to structure an offer around the young Nigerian midfielder alongside a cash component.

Lucumí, contracted to Bologna until 2027, is left-footed and primarily operates on the left of a back four – not the right-sided profile Chivu has prioritised. However, the Colombian international’s pace and comfort with a high defensive line are seen as directly compatible with how Chivu wants to set up, and his established Serie A record eliminates any adaptation risk.

Release Clause Deadline Shapes Inter’s Approach

The €28 million release clause expires on 15 July. After that date, Inter believe a figure in the region of €20 million – supplemented by Akinsanmiro as a technical counterpart – could be sufficient to open a serious negotiation with Bologna sporting director Sartori, with Akinsanmiro among the profiles understood to appeal to him.

Trevoh Chalobah remains the Nerazzurri’s primary defensive target, as covered in Inter’s centre-back pursuit, but Chelsea’s insistence on at least €35 million has stalled progress. Lucumí represents a more accessible alternative at a meaningful discount.

Competition for the Colombian has cooled sharply. Contacts with Juventus have thinned, while Sunderland and Nottingham Forest have gone silent. The decision on whether to move formally is expected after the release clause window closes on 15 July.