Why Inter are reluctant to sell Luis Henrique to AFC Bournemouth in January

Reports on Monday claim that Premier League side AFC Bournemouth are interested in picking up under-fire Inter wing-back Luis Henrique in January, but the Nerazzurri are currently reluctant to let the Brazilian leave without a suitable replacement lined up. 

Inter currently sit at the top of the Serie A standings with a five point margin over second place, and have therefore not been under much pressure to bring in new recruits in January. 18-year-old defender Leon Jakirovic is the club’s only signing of the window so far. 

If Inter are to bring in any new players during the January transfer window, it is likely to be at wing-back given the current injury to Denzel Dumfries. With the Dutchman out, Luis Henrique has been Cristian Chivu’s go-to option at right wing-back.

Luis Henrique has struggled to impress at right wing-back this season, though, and the Nerazzurri had been close to bringing back Joao Cancelo to strengthen their options on the flank before the Portuguese ended up moving back to Barcelona. 

After the Cancelo move fell through, Inter did not line up any immediate alternatives. And that is why the Nerazzurri are reluctant to let Luis Henrique leave in January as things stand. 

According to reports from Fabrizio Romano, Bournemouth have been keen on a potential deal for Luis Henrique for several weeks. Some other reports on Monday claim that the Cherries have already submitted an offer for the Brazilian. 

However, as Romano explains, Inter are unwilling to sanction a sale of Luis Henrique if they do not have any alternative options lined up themselves first. 

There have been suggestions that Inter are pursuing a deal for Ivan Perisic, but similarly, PSV are reluctant to let the Croatian leave in January.