Shakhtar Donetsk could give Inter Milan an indirect assist to sign striker Mehdi Taremi from Porto in January.
Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, highlight how the Ukrainian team eliminating Porto from the Champions League could make it mores straightforward for the Nerazzurri to sign the Iranian international.
Inter are now fully ready to reignite their pursuit of Taremi.
The Nerazzurri had taken steps to try and sign the 31-year-old during the summer transfer window. But in the end they turned their attention to a move for Marko Arnautovic from Bologna.
However, with Arnautovic having suffered a major injury already and Alexis Sanchez not in the best of form, Inter are ready to dip back into the market as soon as January.
And Taremi would be one of the main targets that Inter could move for.
On the one hand, the Porto striker could also be a target for next summer transfer window. He would be available on a free transfer after his contract with Porto runs out.
But on the other hand, the Gazzetta reports, Inter are serious about making an attempt to sign Taremi during the January window.
Shakhtar Donestsk Could Give Inter Assist In Mehdi Taremi
According to the Gazzetta, there is little question that Taremi will leave Porto by next summer.
The 31-year-old has made clear that he has no intention of extending his contract. His deal with the Portuguese giants runs out at the end of next June.
But on the other hand, the Gazzetta note, Taremi is not exactly in a hurry to leave.
Rather, the Iranian is thinking about staying until the end of the season and then assessing his options.
Given that Taremi will be 32 next summer, this is likely to be his last big contract.
Therefore, the striker will not want to hastily decide on his next club. He’ll want to consider it carefully.
And of course, if Taremi is to depart on a free transfer, this could likely allow him to earn higher wages at his next club.
But on the other hand, if Porto exit the Champions League at the group stage, the Iranian may decide to leave six months early.
Naturally Taremi will want to play in Europe’s top club competition. And if Porto are out, he may put pressure on them to sell him to a team who are in the knockout rounds.
Therefore, the Gazzetta note, it could be up to Shakhtar to help Inter out.
It is highly unlikely that Barcelona will fail to qualify for the knockouts from their group, having amassed six points from six. And Antwerp, respectfully, look relatively hopeless for a spot in the round of sixteen.
Therefore, it looks to be Shakhtar and Porto fighting for the second knockout spot.
If the Ukrainians can manage to pip the Portuguese, then, it could be a big development in Inter’s efforts to sign Taremi.
