Runaway Serie A leaders Inter have reportedly earmarked the outgoing Atletico Madrid center-back Mario Hermoso as a top defensive target for the summer. According to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Mundo Deportivo), the Italians view the 28-year-old as an ideal cost-effective signing to bolster their options at the back.
Hermoso’s contract at the Metropolitano Stadium runs out at the end of the season. Despite being locked in talks for months, the parties have failed to find an agreement, increasing the likelihood of the Spaniard’s summer departure, with Inter waiting in the wings, ready to pounce.
During his five-year spell under Diego Simeone, Hermoso has grown into one of the most highly-rated defenders in La Liga. But he seems closer to leaving his homeland for the first time than pledging his future to Atletico, even though Simeone sees him as a vital first-team member.
Inter need a long-term replacement for the aging Francesco Acerbi, and they’ve identified the ex-Espanyol man as the veteran’s successor. However, they’re not alone in the race to sign Hermoso. After Premier League top-four hopefuls Aston Villa registered an interest in the winter, Juventus have joined the picture.
Always attentive to low-cost solutions, the Turin giants are eager to rival Inter for Hermoso’s signature. Yet, Inter seem to be in a pole position to land the former Spain international. Simone Inzaghi reinforced his backline last summer with the additions of Benjamin Pavard and Yann Bisseck.
Though both players have enjoyed decent starts to their Serie A careers, Inter will probably make an effort to strengthen the best-performing defense in Europe’s top-five leagues.
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