Zlatan Ibrahimovic has agreed personal terms with Barcelona as he edges ever closer to joining the European champions from Inter Milan. Barca had previously had an offer of €45million and Samuel Eto’o in exchange for the Sweden striker accepted by Inter but it was feared the deal could collapse over the players’ respective wage demands.
Former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb is also due to join Inter on loan, although he today cast doubt on his part of the deal.
Eto’o successfully concluded negotiations with Inter yesterday and now Ibrahimovic has followed suit after flying to Europe from the United States, where Jose Mourinho’s side are currently on tour.
Barca sporting director Txiki Begiristain told Barca TV: “We have a principle agreement with the player and with Inter and the relevant documentation is now being prepared.
“The clubs are trying to finalise the deal as quickly as possible. It could be done by Monday.”
Ibrahimovic was the top scorer in Serie A last season while Eto’o was equally prolific as Barca clinched an unprecedented treble after landing the La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League crowns.
But with Eto’o only having one year left on his current deal, Barca were willing to sell.
The deal is now a step closer although the stumbling block could yet be Hleb’s reluctance to move to the San Siro.
The Belarus international told Sport Bild magazine: “I have a contract with Barcelona and am currently preparing for the new season with the team. My aim is to make the breakthrough here and be successful with this club.”
Hleb’s agent has even denied being contacted about a switch to Inter.
“Nobody has spoken to me or Alex about a possible transfer to Inter Milan,” said Uli Ferber. “We are all a bit surprised about the recent press reports, which we cannot confirm.”
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