Real Madrid and Inter to compete for Boca Juniors starlet

The Nerazzurri are planning a raid on South America in the summer, with moves for Rodrigo Bentancur, Gabriel Jesus, Sebastian Driussi and more being planned

Inter are set to scour the market to pick up South America’s hottest young talent in the summer, with Boca Juniors ace Rodrigo Bentancur at the top of their list.

The 18-year-old Uruguayan has established himself as first-choice in midfield, and the Nerazzurri are hoping to steal a march on Juventus, Real Madrid and Arsenal for the services of the teenager.

Inter’s chief scout Massimiliano Mirabelli first established contact with Boca for the youngster – who is regarded as the new Andrea Pirlo – over a year ago, and has regularly held talks with Argentinian giants.

Mirabelli is aware that Bentancur’s price is increasing with more first-team exposure, and is ready to make a concrete move. Boca are reported to be asking between €8-10 million for the highly-coveted midfielder, and developments are expected soon.

The Nerazzurri have also been observing a special talent of Boca’s fierce rivals River Plate in Sebastian Driussi, who plays as a winger or second striker. They have been tracking him since 2013, and he is seen as an extra attractive proposition given he holds an Italian passport.

River defender Emanuel Mammana – who was close to a move to Fiorentinain January – is also being monitored by Inter, and is valued at just over €10m. They will have to deal with competition from Napoli however.

In Brazil, 19-year-old prodigious striker Gabriel Jesus has been making waves for Palmeiras, and has attracted the attention of Inter. Gabriel has a contract with the club until 2019, and they are unwilling to budge on his €30m release clause, meaning suitors will have to shell out big if they wish to prise him.

Cruzeiro right-back Mayke has also attracted the attention of Inter for a while, and on-loan Sao Paulo striker Jonathan Calleri – who was on the verge of a move to the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in January – is expected to be the subject of interest from the Serie A giants again.

Adapted from an article in La Gazzetta dello Sport by Matteo Dalla Vite