Italian reporter's interesting claim regarding Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard

By Euan Davidson

March 31, 2021

Inter Milan were looking to sign Odsonne Edouard in the summer of 2020.

According to transfer insider and football journalist Fabrizio Romano, of Sky Sports Italy, Inter saw Edouard as back-up for £73m man Romelu Lukaku.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, Romano’s explosive reveal shed light on a potential move from the Italian giants. It’s not the only time interest from Serie A has been reported. Andrea Pirlo’s Juventus were linked with the French striker [Calcio Mercato]. Inter’s fierce rivals Milan were apparently keen, too [Glasgow Live].

Romano said [GiveMeSport]:

“Last summer, he was close to leaving Celtic. He had really important bids, he decided to stay, but now it’s time to decide for a new club.”

“I’m told that in the last days of the last summer window, Inter were thinking of Edouard as an opportunity, as a backup option for Lukaku.”

“That was impossible because Celtic wanted a permanent deal and they were offering a loan with buy option. Also Roma are interested in him.”

Edouard scores for Celtic / (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

One thing’s certain: Odsonne Edouard is in demand

When you see the likes of West Ham United and Aston Villa linked with Eddy, it feels a bit incongruous. A bit like when Brighton were in for Moussa Dembélé [Sun]. English clubs with ideas above their station won’t get Odsonne Edouard in the end.

This, however, is much more like it. If we have to sell Odsonne Edouard, it would be less disappointing were he to go to a club with status like Inter Milan. Our vanquished ’67 foes are at the summit of Serie A [Sky Sports], with a realistic chance of ending Juventus’ monopoly of the Italian top-flight.

As a back-up, though…? Yes, Edouard is still young, and while he’s talented, he can certainly add elements to his game. However, if he’s going to fulfil his very obvious potential, he can’t be second choice somewhere. That doesn’t really make a great deal of sense.

Not that Celtic will mind, in fairness. The interest of Inter implies that huge clubs could be in for the Frenchman this summer. A bidding war would be fantastic for the Bhoys, with Edouard’s contract running out next summer.

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