Inter Milan have opened talks with Borussia Monchengladbach over a January transfer for Ramy Bensebaini, as they look to replace reported Tottenham Hotspur target Ivan Perisic.
That’s according to Calciomercato, who note the Nerazzurri have reached out to Die Fohlen in recent days for exploratory discussions. The San Siro oufit view Bensebaini as their top choice to replace Perisic, having recorded excellent scouting reports on a number of visits.
Inter Milan sought to watch Bensebaini in various circumstances to ascertain his suitability for a Serie A title fight. After AC Milan’s 3-1 win over Roma on Thursday, Simone Inzaghi’s side only hold a one-point lead over the Rossoneri as they strive to defend the Scudetto.
Bensebaini came through Inter Milan’s scouting trips with flying colours and the Italian side now very much like the 26-year-old. He has scored four goals and recorded one assist in 12 games in all competitions. The Algerian has also played at centre, left-back and left-wing.
Inter Chairman Giuseppe Marotta and Sporting Director Piero Ausilio now want to sign the 42-cap international this month. They are eager to replace Perisic, who is out of contract in the summer. But they also want options for if Aleksandar Kolarov elects to retire this year.
Inter open Borussia Monchengladbach talks for Bensebaini transfer
Inter Milan have asked Borussia Monchengladbach if they will sanction a loan transfer for Bensebaini in January. The Bundesliga outfit have set a €20m (£17m) asking price for the Algerian, who is currently away for AFCON.
The Nerazzurri believe Bensebaini is the right option to replace Perisic as he still has room for development. They also believe Perisic is asking for too much to sign a new contract.
Inter Milan now signing Bensebaini will likely put Tottenham on alert amid their pursuit of a transfer for Perisic. Sport1 reported in December that Spurs opened talks with the winger’s agent. Inter Live also noted he would favour life in north London if he leaves the San Siro.
Tottenham can sign Perisic in a free transfer this summer as his Inter Milan contract expires in June. TuttoMercatoWEB also claim he is asking for a €5.5m-6m-a-season (£88k-96k-a/w) salary. Additionally, he is ready to leave Serie A if a rival suitor matches his wage demands.
Conte’s path to Perisic reunion with Tottenham transfer now clearing
Inter Milan, then, appear to be clearing Antonio Conte’s path to reuniting with Perisic at Tottenham with their transfer talks with Borussia Monchengladbach for Bensebaini. Giving the Italian one of his favoured Nerazzurri stars, who Luciano Spalletti once praised greatly.
“Ivan is a reality for this club with both feet,” Spalletti said, via quotes by Sempre Inter. “He’s the most incredible professional. He’s one of those that even after training is over, he works out on his own for about an hour, hour and fifteen minutes.
“I’ll repeat, an incredible professional, both physically and mentally. His physique is that of a horse. He makes these 60-70 metre runs and you feel the ground shake when he passes.”
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