Atalanta revelation becomes Inter’s main target to replace Acerbi | OneFootball

Inter have reportedly set sights on Atalanta’s centre-back Isak Hien, as they believe he could be an ideal profile to replace Francesco Acerbi, whose repeated injuries have become a concern in recent months.

The Italian veteran has already missed seven Serie A games through two different injuries, prompting the Nerazzurri to look around in search of a more reliable substitute for next summer, when they’ll try to rejuvenate their defensive department.

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 10: Romelu Lukaku of Napoli is challenged by Francesco Acerbi of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Napoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 10, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Atalanta’s Hien on top of Inter’s wishlist to replace Acerbi

According to Tuttosport, Inter consider La Dea’s defender as the favoured candidate to become Acerbi’s heir at the San Siro, as his young age and low wages make him particularly fitting for Oaktree’s guidelines.

They have been monitoring Hien since he was at Verona before completing a €9m move to the Gewiss Stadium last January and establishing himself as one of the revelations of Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.

Atalanta’s Isak Hien (L, top) in action during the UEFA Champions League soccer match between Atalanta BC and Celtic FC at the Bergamo Stadium in Bergamo, Italy, 23 October 2024. EPA-EFE/MICHELE MARAVIGLIA

However, his price tag has since risen to €30m, making negotiations with Atalanta complicated, although the Nerazzurri hope to convince them to lower their demands by including youngsters such as Valentin Carboni or Francesco Pio Esposito in the deal.

Hien has collected 22 appearances across all competitions this season, becoming one of the most used players in Gasperini’s back-three.