Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij are reportedly vying for a single spot in next season’s squad.
The two veterans served under Simone Inzaghi during his time at Lazio. The coach was then reunited with the Dutchman upon his arrival at Appiano Gentile in 2021, while the Italian centre-back joined in 2022.
The two players have been mostly competing for the central defender role for several years now.
However, they’re both running on expiring deals at the moment, leaving their future at the club in major doubt.
According to Tuttosport via FcInterNews, there will only be room for one between Acerbi and De Vrij at Inter next season.
As the source explains, the club’s new owners Oaktree Capital insist on rejuvenating the squad.
Therefore, the management is unlikely to keep two players who will be 37 and 33 next season competing for the same role.
The Turin-based newspaper thus expects the Italian champions to resort to the market and buy a new centre-back.
This might well be Jaka Bijol who has been excelling at Udinese since his arrival in the summer of 2022.
On the other hand, Acerbi and De Vrij could go head-to-head in a battle to earn a contract extension.
The Italy international might be the favorite considering how he’s been Inzaghi’s first choice since his arrival.
Nevertheless, Beppe Marotta and Piero Ausilio will also take into account the fact that the Dutchman is four years younger.
Nevertheless, the source claims De Vrij’s limited playing time could prompt him to pursue a new chapter.
Hence, the Netherlands international could rule himself out of the race, paving the way for Acerbi’s renewal.