Inter Milan have an additional reason to wait until the summer to complete the signing of Porto striker Mehdi Taremi.
The Nerazzurri have been on the player’s heels for quite some time now. They’ll be looking to finalize the transfer in the coming months.
As it has been well-documented at this point, the striker will become a free agent in June once his contract with the Portuguese club expires.
Therefore, the Italian giants will be looking to poach his services on a Bosman deal.
However, Tuttosport (via FcInterNews) reveals another reason why Inter prefer to wait till the summer.
As the Turin-based newspaper explains, Taremi will be eligible to acquire European citizenship in July. At that point, he’d have spent five years living in Portugal.
The 31-year-old joined Rio Ave in July 2019 before signing for Porto in the following summer.
With a European passport, Inter would be able to sign the Iran international without utilizing one of their non-EU slots. Thus, they would preserve these spots for other possible new signings.
Inter Milan Waiting For Mehdi Taremi To Obtain European Passport
The source adds that talks between Inter and the bomber are progressing. An intermediary was reportedly at the club’s headquarters in recent days.
Taremi would replace either Alexis Sanchez or Marko Arnautovic who are yet to deliver the goods this season.
Club captain Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram remain the ultimate first choices in attack for Simone Inzaghi. However, the management is seeking competent alternatives upfront.
The Iranian star has scored six goals and provided four assists for Porto across all competitions this season.