Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has revealed that the Italian giant Inter Milan expressed interest in signing him during the summer transfer window. However, Udinese’s €15 million valuation for the Nigerian international proved too steep for the Serie A champions.
Okoye, who has established himself as one of the league’s top goalkeepers since joining Udinese last season, had attracted attention from several Italian clubs, including Inter and their city rivals AC Milan. Despite the interest, a move for the Nigerian ultimately failed to materialize.
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The Nerazzurri were seeking a young goalkeeper to serve as a long-term replacement for their 35-year-old veteran, Yann Sommer. Okoye’s impressive performances made him an attractive option for the Serie A champions.

However, Udinese’s asking price was deemed excessive by Inter, leading to the end of their pursuit. In an interview with Transfermarkt, Okoye admitted that a move to Inter would have been a dream come true, but expressed no regrets over the failed transfer.
“The interest from Inter was concrete, but Udinese were asking for €15m to buy me,” the shot-stopper told Transfermarkt. “It would’ve been a dream, but I don’t regret how things went. I am happy to still be at this club, to be the Number 1 here. The situation could repeat itself if I keep working hard and maintain constant performance.
“I want to stay in Italy, this is a choice I have made. I like this land, the people in it and the atmosphere. I am happy in Udine and want to take the club high with as many points as possible.”
Despite the disappointment, Okoye says he does not see himself leaving Udinese in January. The Nigeria international has so far been one of the top goalkeepers in the league this season continuing his form from the previous campaign.

“I don’t see myself being elsewhere in January, as my focus is all on Udinese. I want to end the season here and continue working with Runjaic, who is a very important coach for me.”
On playing under former Itanlian defender Fabio Cannavaro, Okoye said, “He is a special person, like a big brother or a cousin. I’d only ever seen him on TV or in a Play Station game, but he came up, hugged me and said: ‘I am your new coach.’
“He approached us like the head of the family, cancelling out the pressure we had around us at that moment. Cannavaro will have success as a coach, 100 per cent.”
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