Inter Milan have reportedly joined the race for Palmeiras star Yerry Mina and are ready to rival Barcelona for the services of the Colombian international.
According to Spanish publication Don Balon, Barcelona are now facing competition from Inter Milan in the pursuit of Palmeiras defender Yerry Mina. The Colombian is now being targeted by Inter Milan, who are eyeing the player as one of the many reinforcements this summer with the aim of returning to the upper echelons of world football.
Yerry Mina is a 22-year-old centre-back who has progressed rapidly to become one of the most highly-rated Colombian defenders at the present moment. The player’s progress has accelerated since joining Palmeiras FC in the summer of 2016, having been a regular at the back for the Brazilian outfit.
Yerry Mina is reported to be close to being a Barcelona player, who have preferential option on the 22-year-old. However, there is an agreement between the two clubs that entails the player will join the club after the 2018 FIFA World Cup, according to earlier reports.
MD:
Palmeiras centre-back Yerry Mina (22) could advance his arrival to Barcelona pic.twitter.com/FibjBiJyqx— M·A·J (@UltraAutistic) July 6, 2017
Latest updates, though, state that the process has accelerated, with Barcelona set to snap the player up this summer only, after Palmeiras bow out of Copa Libertadores – Palmeiras trail Barcelona SC by 1-0 after the first leg in the Round of 16.
However, according to Don Balon, Inter Milan have entered the picture and are ready to launch an assault for him. The Nerazzurri are not willing to wait till Palmeiras’ Copa Libertadores journey and could stump up a bigger chunk of cash in order to convince the club to part with the player.
As at the present moment, Barcelona are in need of reinforcements at the back, which lack depth after the recent departure of Jeremy Mathieu. The Catalans do have first option on Mina according to reports. Although, they are being linked to his compatriot Davinson Sanchez and Kostas Manolas among others.
(@DiMarzio):
Inter is interested in Palmeiras defender Yerry Mina (22). Inter will meet with players agents. Barça still have 9m buy option. pic.twitter.com/omAnbcpq7G— M·A·J (@UltraAutistic) July 12, 2017
Hence, Barcelona may decide against pursuing the Palmeiras centre-back if Inter Milan come in and offer a high amount, it could lead to a transfer battle, something Barcelona are hoping to avoid as they scour for value additions to the squad.
Inter Milan have just signed Milan Skriniar from Sampdoria and do have enough depth at the said position right now. However, the club may be set to offload some of their players, which could create room for the arrival of Yerry Mina.
Inter can go toe-to-toe in the transfer market with Barcelona or any club for that matter, after the recent influx of investment from China. If the Italian club does go in for Mina, it might be in Barcelona’s best interests to instead go for one of the many other transfer targets in the said position.
