Inter Milan are reportedly set to sign Arturo Vidal from Barcelona in the summer transfer window, tying the Chilean to a two-year deal.
According to reputed Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Arturo Vidal is one step closer to leaving Barcelona in the summer transfer window. The Chilean midfielder is closing in on a return to Serie A, with Inter Milan touted to secure his services on a two-year contract.
Vidal joined Barcelona from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2018, in what came as a surprise back then. In the two seasons that followed, though, the 33-year-old ended up being a consistent performer for the Blaugrana and was a regular in the middle of the park for the Spanish giants.
Since joining Barcelona, Vidal has made nearly 100 appearances for the Catalans, even chipping in with a handy return of 11 goals and 10 assists. However, following a disastrous end to the 2019/20 season, the veteran midfielder has been deemed to be one of many players who are surplus to requirements at Barcelona.
Fellow midfielder Ivan Rakitic was also shown the exit door at Camp Nou this week and Vidal could be next in line on Barcelona’s transfer list. As per the report, his next destination could be Inter Milan, where a reunion with Antonio Conte awaits him.
Vidal and Conte have previously worked together at Juventus, where the duo enjoyed a lot of success, winning the Serie A title among other honours. And so, despite his advancing age, the Chilean international could be a fine addition in the Inter Milan squad, considering he is already accustomed to Conte’s system.
As for how he will fit in the side, Vidal could perhaps be a direct replacement for Matias Vecino or Roberto Gagliardini, both of whom are reportedly on their way out of San Siro. The Barcelona midfielder is just the kind of combative player in the middle of the park that Conte needs to implement his style further.
The report suggests that Inter are closing in on signing Vidal, who is set to find an agreement with Barcelona to have his contract terminated. That the 33-year-old would arrive on a free transfer only seeks to make him a more appealing prospect for the Nerazzurri. What now remains to be seen is if the Serie A giants can quickly get this signing over the line.
