Inter targeting Atletico's Hermoso as Acerbi's possible replacement

Francesco Acerbi was accused by Juan Jesus of calling him "black" in the match between Inter Milan and Napoli before the international break. The centre-back was even left out of the Italian national team squad while the Lega investigated the matter, which was dropped due to lack of evidence. Even so, the Giuseppe Meazza board are upset at the way the matter was handled and are considering replacing him for next season.

In a report by 'La Gazzetta dello Sport' journalist Filippo Conticello, he claims that Mario Hermoso is the favourite to take his place from the summer onwards. The Nerazzurri scouts have also highlighted in their analysis how cheap he would be, as his contract with Atletico Madrid expires in a few months and he would only have to pay his salary.

For the moment, the Spanish club's board have not secured his renewal, but Koke Resurreccion, who has committed himself for one more season with the option of extending it each season if all parties are satisfied. His 28-year-old team-mate sees a broader horizon for his career and could look forward to a change of scenery to try his luck in other top competitions.

Given the timing of Enrique Cerezo and his team, there should be news soon as to whether they want the defender for the long term. If not, it will create the perfect context for Inter to go for him and forget about Acerbi even though they have him tied up until 2025. That he expressed his views on the alleged racist insult to Juan Jesus without first discussing it with his owners has not gone down well.

 

March 29, 2024