Porto President Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa admits that Inter Milan linked striker Mehdi Taremi is set to leave on a free transfer.
Speaking to Portuguese outlet SIC Noticias, via FCInterNews, the Porto President admitted that his club must be “realistic.” He also hit out at AC Milan’s offer for Taremi, which he called “ridiculous.”
Inter’s interest in signing Taremi is certainly no big secret.
The Iranian international had been on the Nerazzurri’s radar already during the summer transfer window.
But in the end Inter signed Marko Arnautovic from Bologna instead.
The 34-year-old former West Ham United and Stoke City striker represented a cheaper option.
But price may not be much of an issue in signing Taremi in a few months’ time.
That is because the 31-year-old’s contract with Porto runs out at the end of next June.
Therefore, unless the Portuguese giants were to convince Taremi to sign an extension, he would be free to leave without a transfer fee.
And according to Porto’s President, there is every reason to believe that will be the case.
Porto President Admits Inter Target Mehdi Taremi To Leave On Free Transfer
Porto President Pinto da Costa said of Taremi’s future that “We have to be realistic.”
He noted that “Taremi has offers on the table worth €10 million per season that he hasn’t accepted.”
These offers, according to widespread reports, have come from clubs in the Middle East.
Pinto da Costa suggested that “Sure, give us €10 million, and then €10 million to the taxman, and then I’ll extend his contract myself.”
And Pinto da Costa also hit out at Milan regarding their chase of Taremi during the summer.
The Rossoneri had reportedly been trying to sign the Iranian right up until deadline day.
“Milan only made ridiculous offers for Taremi,” the Porto President said. “There wasn’t even a discussion.”
He claimed that “None of their offers even cam close to his value.”
