Inter & Juventus Handed Transfer Boost as Elite Defender Won’t Renew

Inter and Juventus have received a significant boost in their quests to sign outgoing Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano states that La Liga heavyweights have decided against extending the center-back’s expiring contract. 

Hermoso’s future has been in limbo since the start of the season. After being locked in talks for months without any progress, Atletico Madrid have finally given up the idea of tying the 28-year-old down to a new contract. As a result, he’ll depart the Metropolitano Stadium after five years when his deal runs out at the end of the season, with Inter and Juventus vying for his signature.

Despite acquiring the services of Benjamin Pavard and Yann Bisseck last summer, new Serie A champions Inter remain in the market for a new center-back to replace the aging Francesco Acerbi. Known for snapping up top players on bargain deals, Beppe Marotta has identified Hermoso as an ideal signing. But he’ll need to beat his former club to the Spaniard’s signature.

While working on Michele Di Gregorio’s arrival, Juventus are exploring other potential additions, including Hermoso. However, Inter are seemingly in the driver’s seat, not least because the Turin giants have yet to resolve Massimiliano Allegri’s future. Like their arch-rivals, they are famous for landing elite players without spending fortunes.

Juventus need reinforcements desperately, but they could be out of their depth here. Inter are a far more attractive option at the moment.