Inter Milan could turn their attention to a low-cost deal for Atalanta defender Merih Demiral after a move for Cesar Azpilicueta has fallen through.
This according to today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews.
Inter had looked to be close to completing the signing of Azpilicueta from Chelsea.
The Spaniard was ready to agree a termination of his contract with the Blues by mutual consent. Then, he would join the Nerazzurri on a free transfer, with a two-year deal worth €3.5 million ready to be signed.
However, the player has pulled the plug on the move. Azpilicueta has instead decided to make the move to Atletico Madrid instead for next season.
Reportedly, the Spaniard has cited personal reasons for making his decision. He wants to move to the Spanish capital with his family.
This has left Inter scrambling to identify a new target in defense in lieu of the Chelsea captain.
There is no doubt that at one defender must arrive to replace Milan Skriniar and Danilo D’Ambrosio.
Inter Milan Could Move For Demiral After Failing To Sign Azpilicueta
One player Inter could reignite their interest in is former Juventus and Sassuolo defender Demiral.
The Nerazzurri had already been targeting the 25-year-old in January. At that time, they considered him as a possible emergency replacement for Skriniar should they have sold the Slovakian then.
Demiral’s situation at the Gewiss Stadium could bring a deal within reach for Inter.
The Turkish international is on bad terms with La Dea coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
Therefore, there is virtually no doubt that Atalanta will offload the player.
Demiral is not in Gasperini’s or Atalanta’s plans, and they will do everything to make sure he is moved on to a new club.
On the other hand, Demiral is currently under contract with Atalanta until the end of June 2026.
Accordingly, Tuttosport suggests, Inter could convince La Dea to loan him out for next season to get rid of a problem player.
Moreover, relations are good between Inter and Atalanta. The two clubs have made a number of deals in the recent past, and so there’s no reason that they wouldn’t be able to work together in negotiations.
There is also Atalanta’s interest in Inter midfielder Giovanni Fabbian that could become a factor. Inter don’t want to sell the 20-year-old on a permanent basis.
However, if the Nerazzurri were to send Fabbian on a dry loan to Atalanta, that could certainly help talks for Demiral move along.