Inter and Juventus have yet to make any progress in their endeavors to lure outgoing Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso. As per Fabrizio Romano, the Italians have not opened talks with the player’s entourage despite his contractual wobble at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Hermoso’s deal in Madrid runs out at the end of the season. Despite Atletico Madrid’s utmost effort to tie him down to a new contract, the parties are still at odds. Unless dramatic developments in the coming weeks, the 28-year-old should leave the club in the summer as a free agent.
Though Inter and Juventus are monitoring Hermoso’s situation with keen eyes, everything is still on hold. Simone Inzaghi’s men have identified the ex-Espanyol man as a cost-effective solution to replace the aging Francesco Acerbi. Meanwhile, Bianconeri’s appetites for Bosman deals are well-documented.
Runaway Serie A leaders Inter are in the driver’s seat to purchase the Spaniard, not least because Juventus have other names on their shortlist. Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori has caught the Turin giants’ eye after developing into a top-notch center-back at Renato Dall’Ara. But they’re not alone in the race for the 21-year-old.
As for Hermoso, Diego Simeone has nurtured his talent, helping him become one of the most highly-rated defenders in La Liga. His attributes are better suited for Inter, who’ll need an experienced rearguard to fill Acerbi’s shoes. Much will depend on foreign interest in Hermoso, but Nerazzurri should be in a comfortable position to capture his services.
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