Inter Milan Pursuit Of Iran FIFA World Cup Star Depends On Fitness Of Ex West Ham United Veteran

Inter Milan’s pursuit of Porto striker Mehdi Taremi during the January transfer window would depend on the fitness of Marko Arnautovic.

This according to Italian broadcaster SportMediaset, via FCInterNews.

Taremi is certainly a player on Inter’s radar, whether it is for the January transfer window or next summer.

By all accounts the Nerazzurri see the 31-year-old Iranian international has having an ideal profile as a striker for their project.

Therefore, Inter will aim to try and sign Taremi sooner or later.

But the big question looks to be whether or not that move will come in January, or next June.

Taremi’s contract with Porto runs out at the end of next June. And it looks almost certain that the Iranian will not extend his deal with the Portuguese giants.

Therefore, Taremi should be available on a free transfer next summer.

And the prospect of signing a player like Taremi without a transfer fee would certainly be an appealing one for Inter.

Particularly given the importance of free transfer signings to the Nerazzurri’s market strategy.

Inter Pursuit Of Mehdi Taremi In January Dependent On Fitness Of Marko Arnautovic

But Inter may not even necessarily wait until Taremi is available out of his contract with Porto.

The Nerazzurri could also move during the January transfer window.

The fact that the 31-year-old is so close to the end of his contract could provoke Porto into lowering their asking price at what will surely be their last opportunity to cash in.

And Inter could decide that paying a fee is worth it to anticipate the competition for Taremi’s signature.

And Inter could also want Taremi to bolster their attacking options during the run-in of this season.

The Nerazzurri may see it as worthwhile having a player like the Iranian at their disposal in the decisive months in Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the Champions League.

But a lot will ultimately depend on Arnautovic.

The former West Ham United and Stoke City veteran is the player who Inter signed instead of Taremi during the summer.

And he is currently out with an injury. Arnautovic has been suffering from a thigh strain that he picked up in a match against Empoli in September.

Arnautovic and Taremi have relatively similar profiles.

Therefore, if the Austrian is fit and firing, Inter won’t likely move for Taremi in January.

They would instead wait until next summer to make their move for the Iranian.

But if Arnautovic is still struggling with injuries come the January transfer window, Inter may decide to intervene in the market. In that case, they would be ready to move for Taremi.