Inter Milan are targeting Hellas Verona’s Juan Cabal in defense, but coach Simone Inzaghi would still prefer a move for Mario Hermoso.
This according to today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews.
One thing that looks clear is that Inter will sign a defender for the left side of their back three.
The reason for this is that Carlos Augusto will not be playing there next season. The versatile Brazilian will be playing at wingback in the absence of Tajon Buchanan, who’s recovering from a leg break.
Therefore, Inter will need a player who can back up Alessandro Bastoni on the left. Augusto will be tied up on the flank.
Nerazzurri Sporting Director Piero Ausilio has admitted that this is the club’s strategy.
Inter Moving For Juan Cabal – But Inzaghi Prefers Mario Hermoso
There are a few potential options for Inter in defense.
But the fundamental divide appears to be whether to move for a more experienced player, or invest in a younger player.
In terms of the former, both of Hermoso and Ricardo Rodriguez are available on free transfers following the expiration of their contracts with Atletico Madrid and Torino respectively.
Both Hermoso and Rodriguez have plenty of experience playing on the left of a back three.
According to Tuttosport, Inter coach Inzaghi’s preference would be to move for Hermoso.
The 29-year-old former Espanyol defender would be a readymade option on the left of the back three.
Moreover, Inter’s directors would be broadly of the same mind as Inzaghi.
However, Nerazzurri owners Oaktree Capital are leaning in the direction of investing in a younger player.
Hermoso would be willing to drop his wage demands to €3.5 million net per season from €5 million net per season.
Nevertheless, a three-year contract for the Spaniard would still be something that the Inter owners see as a big investment in a player with little future resale value.
On the other hand, Cabal would be a player with more potential for growth.
Therefore, the 23-year-old is the player Inter are moving for.
Meanwhile, Salernitana’s Lorenzo Pirola and Genoa’s Johan Vazquez are two other younger options on Inter’s radar.
