Inter Milan jump the queue for in-demand Italian striker Mateo Retegui

Inter Milan have reportedly moved ahead in the transfer race for Italian striker Mateo Retegui.

Retegui has become one of the hottest sensations in Europe in no time after scoring in the first two games of his international career with the Italian national team.

The 23-year-old, who has been in prolific scoring form with Argentine outfit Tigre, has courted interest from Europe’s top clubs, including AC Milan, Napoli, Atletico Madrid, Eintracht Frankfurt and West Ham United.

Inter, however, are in a pole position to sign Retegui, who they have identified as a priority target for the summer.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Nerazzurri deputy sporting director Dario Baccin was in contact with the striker’s father and agent, Carlos, during the international break.

The report also adds that Inter have agreed a fee worth around €18 million with Tigre, who are expected to buy Retegui permanently from his parent club Boca Juniors.

Although Boca will retain 50% of a future sale, Tigre hold the right to decide where Retegui should be sold and the transfer fee.

It gives the Nerazzurri an edge in their pursuit as they have a great relationship with Tigre following the loan move of Facundo Colidio to the Argentine club last year.

Inter are also said to be exploring the option of including Colidio in the deal to persuade Retegui to San Siro.

Retegui has been touted as the ideal strike partner for Lautaro Martinez, with both Romelu Lukaku and Joaquin Correa linked with an exit this summer.

The Nerazzurri may target more reinforcements in the summer following a lacklustre season, where they have suffered 10 defeats in Serie A.