Inter Milan chief executive Beppe Marotta has admitted the Serie A champions are interested in Hector Bellerin but may struggle to finance a deal for the Arsenal defender, speaking to FC Inter News.
While the Nerazzurri are set for a major and welcome windfall – with Achraf Hakimi potentially hours away from putting pen to paper with PSG – don’t expect Inter to reinvest that £60 million in signings during the final two months of the transfer window.
A dire financial situation, one exacerbated by the covid pandemic, continues to hang like a dark cloud over the San Siro.
And the proceeds from Hakimi’s sale will be used to ease those crippling debts rather than strengthen a squad inherited by former Lazio boss Simone Inzaghi.
Of course, Inter will still need a new right-back capable of emulating Hakimi’s stellar impact.
The former Real Madrid youngster contributed seven goals and 11 assists during Inter’s first Scudetto-winning campaign since a salt-and-pepper Jose Mourinho was leading Wesley Sneijder, Samuel Eto’o and co to a historic treble.
Could Arsenal full-back Bellerin replace Hakimi at Inter Milan?
Arsenal won’t stand in Bellerin’s way should an acceptable offer arrive. But a £22 million price tag may prove too rich for an Inter side looking at more affordable alternatives.
“They are interesting,” Marotta said when quizzed about his interest in Bellerin and Lazio flyer Manuel Lazzari.
“But we will act with peace of mind. We cannot make heavy investments and we will act with creativity, trying to seize any opportunities. Many clubs will not be able to spend practically anything.”
The long-serving Bellerin lost his place to a rejuvenated Calum Chambers in the final few weeks of last season and is now free to leave a club he joined from Barcelona a decade ago.
Finding employment elsewhere is proving difficult for the Catalan-turned-cockney, however, with a dream move to boyhood side Real Betis hitting the buffers.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have identified Rangers’ set-piece master James Tavernier and Barca speedster Sergino Dest as potential replacements.
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