Inter lodge €20m bid for Premier League target Andy Diouf after missing out on Manu Kone transfer

According to Fabrizio Romano, Inter have officially submitted a proposal worth more than €20 million (£17m/$22m) to Lens for 22-year-old midfielder Diouf. The Nerazzurri made their move after their attempt to sign Kone from Roma fell through. Napoli had already seen a €20m package rejected by Lens, while Premier League side Palace also showed interest. Inter are in direct talks with Diouf’s camp over personal terms.

The French midfielder has attracted strong interest this summer, but Lens have stood firm on their valuation. The Ligue 1 club recently signed Mamadou Sangare from Rapid Wien for €8m, a move that could pave the way for Diouf’s departure. The Serie A giants, needing a midfield reinforcement to balance their squad, see him as a key target. With Napoli and Premier League clubs circling, Inter are trying to move quickly to secure his signature.

Diouf, who joined Lens from Basel in 2023, registered one goal and two assists in 34 Ligue 1 appearances last season and remains under contract until June 2028. Napoli had already offered him a deal but saw their bid rejected, while Palace also showed concrete interest earlier this summer. Lens’ move for Sangare suggests they are prepared for Diouf’s departure.

Inter’s latest bid could give them an edge over Gli Azzurri and the Eagles, but Lens are holding out for maximum value. With the transfer window entering its final stretch, Inter must now reach an agreement on personal terms with Diouf to avoid another missed signing.