Inter opt against signing Zarate

Inter Milan have decided not to sign Lazio loanee Mauro Zarate on a permanent deal, according to reports.

The Serie A giants spent 2.7 million euros to bring the Argentine striker to the San Siro, but they are reportedly not satisfied with his performances to date and will not pay the agreed price of 15.5 million euros to retain him, Sportmediaset reported.

Zarate, 24, is halfway through his loan spell with Inter, but has failed to score in 12 Serie A appearances this season.

He has netted just once in all competitions – the winner against CSKA Moscow in the Champions League group stage on September 27.

However, another reason for Inter’s decision not to pursue Zarate in the long-term is because of their interest in Sao Paulo starlet Lucas Moura, who has been heavily linked to the 2009/10 European champions in recent weeks.

Sao Paulo are believed to want 30 million euros for the 19-year-old, and Inter president Massimo Moratti may prefer his club to channel their resources into securing the talented teenager.