Inter Milan Lead Race for Sassuolo's Tarik Muharemovic
Inter Milan have moved into pole position to sign Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic, according to sources close to the negotiations. The 23-year-old Bosnian centre-back has reportedly given his preference to a move to the Giuseppe Meazza, with the Nerazzurri now in advanced talks with Sassuolo over a potential transfer.
Muharemovic, who has been a key figure for a Sassuolo side that earned promotion to Serie A last season, has been a long-term target for Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio. The 23-year-old, who impressed for Bosnia and Herzegovina during the recent World Cup playoff against Italy, has a contract with Sassuolo until 2028. The Neroverdi are said to value the player at around 30 million euros, a figure that has not deterred Inter's interest. The Nerazzurri's strong relationship with Sassuolo, which has seen players like Davide Frattisi and Stefano Sensi move between the clubs in recent years, is expected to smooth the path for negotiations.
For Inter, the move is seen as a crucial part of a defensive rebuild. With the expected summer departures of experienced defenders Francesco Acerbi, Stefan de Vrij, and Matteo Darmian, new head coach Cristian Chivu is seeking to build a new-look backline. The Bosnian left-footed defender is viewed as an ideal, versatile piece. According to reports, Chivu and the Inter hierarchy see Muharemovic as a player who could operate on the left side of a back three or as the left-sided centre-back in a back four, providing crucial depth and competition for Alessandro Bastoni.
Sassuolo's position is complicated by a sell-on clause held by Juventus. The Bianconeri, who sold Muharemovic to Sassuolo last summer for 3 million euros, reportedly retain a 50% sell-on clause for any future transfer. This arrangement could see Juventus either exercise a buy-back option or receive a significant portion of the transfer fee, a factor that will influence the final price. Inter, however, are understood to be confident of reaching an agreement that satisfies all parties, with Muharemovic's personal terms not expected to be a significant hurdle.
Muharemovic is one of several defensive targets for Inter, with names like Solet of Udinese, Ordonez of Club Brugge, and Liverpool's Nat Phillips also on the club's radar. The pursuit of the Bosnian, however, appears to be the most advanced. His acquisition would be a significant first step in Inter's squad overhaul, providing a long-term defensive solution and a potential partner for Bastoni, should the Italian international remain at the club despite interest from Barcelona. The potential deal underscores Inter's strategy of investing in young, promising talent as they build for the future under Chivu's new project.
