Inter Need Deep Pockets to Sign Highly-Rated Keeper

Serie A champions Inter have grown confident about landing Athletico Paranaense goalkeeper Bento in the coming months. According to Quotdiano Sportivo, via L’Interista, Nerazzurri will allocate up to €20 million to sign the 24-year-old. 

Despite the Italians’ financial turmoil, they believe they can raise funds to finance the Brazil international’s arrival from offloading unsettled stars. Inter changed keepers last summer as Andre Onana joined Manchester United, while Yann Sommer came in from Bayern Munich to fill the vacancy.

Though the Swiss star has done a stellar job this season, he’s already 35, and Inter must find a reliable long-term solution. Sampdoria loanee Emil Audero has been Sommer’s backup, but he’ll return to his parent club at the end of the campaign. Bento should take his place.

Inter would ideally need someone to be Sommer’s understudy next season, as Simone Inzaghi still trusts the veteran goalie to be a regular starter. However, the ex-Borussia Monchengladbach man won’t last forever, and Nerazzurri must look to the future. 

Bento was on Beppe Marotta’s shortlist last summer. But Inter signed Sommer as a proven and, more importantly, a cheaper option. Marotta’s judgment was on the money, with the Swiss star playing a significant role in Inter’s dominant Serie A triumph.

In the meantime, Bento’s stock has gone up. He was a relatively unknown entity last summer. After establishing himself as a permanent fixture at Brazil, Athletico’s No. 1 is no longer a low-cost target. But Inter will seemingly test the waters when the transfer window opens for business.