The Nerazzurri are confident they are the midfielder’s favoured choice in Italy and could up their offer to €30 million for the player
Inter are increasingly optimistic that they will beat AC Milan in the race to sign Geoffrey Kondogbia from Monaco.
The in-demand France international has attracted the attention of some of the biggest clubs in Europe following his exceptional displays for the Ligue 1 side.
It is understood Kondogbia had dinner with Milan CEO Adriano Galliani on Thursday as the Rossoneri attempt to lure him to San Siro to become part of a revamped team under Bee Taechaubol’s ownership.
However, the 22-year-old had also met in secret with Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio in Monaco two days previously, and Goal understands the Nerazzurri now believe they hold the upper hand over their city rivals.
Head coach Roberto Mancini has made it clear to the player that he is a prime target as he plots to rebuild a side capable of returning Champions League football to the club and Kondogbia would be willing to accept a five-year contract.
Inter are now waiting for the player himself to agree to join them, in which case they could raise their offer to €27 million plus €3m in bonuses to tempt Monaco to do business promptly.
Tottenham are also believed to be firmly in the hunt for Kondogbia, who impressed in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League last term under Leonardo Jardim.