Inter Milan president confirms talks for €10 million-rated former Juventus defender amid Barcelona links | OneFootball

It has been a while since FC Barcelona have had an active January transfer window. The last time they conducted any significant winter business was months after Xavi Hernandez’s appointment, when they signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ferran Torres, and brought Adama Traore in on loan.

Since then, the club’s financial situation has not allowed them to move for reinforcements in January, even when the situation has warranted it. Thus, it comes as quite a surprise to see the Catalan club linked with a potential move for Joao Cancelo.

The former Barcelona loanee is said to be leaving Al Hilal this transfer window and, while Inter Milan remain interested, the player is reportedly waiting for a call from the Catalans. It remains unclear whether this move will be feasible for the Spanish club.

Now, Inter Milan president Marotta has confirmed that the Serie A club is indeed in talks with Al Hilal over a potential move for the €10 million-rated Portuguese right-back to cover for Denzel Dumfries’ injury. As quoted by Fabrizio Romano, he said:

The Nerazzurri president did confirm that the player is on very high wages and that a solution needs to be found, especially with Al Hilal looking for a new centre-back. He continued:

Considering Barcelona’s financial landscape, the more pressing need in the squad right now is a central defender rather than a full-back, and, if the Catalan club can make only one move this month, if at all, Cancelo must not be the priority.

Yes, the Portuguese full-back is much loved here, having made an impression during his loan spell. However, Barcelona need to pick and choose their battles, and the former Juventus defender is not the right one to pursue this January. Let us wait and see what Deco and co. decide.