Internazionale president Massimo Moratti claims Frank Lampard wants to join the Italian champions, but acknowledges Chelsea have "every right" to keep the England midfielder.
Lampard has been heavily linked with a move to the San Siro to play under his former Blues coach Jose Mourinho, but the London outfit are reluctant to let go of the 30-year-old.
And Moratti knows Inter must wait for the green light from Chelsea for the move to go ahead, despite having Lampard's "approval" for the deal.
The 63-year-old told www.inter.it: "For the acquisition of Lampard we need to have patience.
"We have the player's approval but we have to respect Chelsea's rights. His club has every right to keep him."
Moratti confirmed Inter - who are anxious to get their squad finalised having already started pre-season training - are also looking at other alternatives should Lampard remain at Stamford Bridge.
However, the Nerazzurri supremo admitted it would be no easy task as Lampard is the right fit for Inter.
"Lampard is a priority but in these situations, you look around," Moratti said.
"It's not easy to find another player because we are talking about a team (Inter) that has players of a very high level.
"We must find one that has the characteristics to complete this group.
"We were talking to the coach to find - in case we don't have the chance to get Lampard - a player with similar characteristics."
