Inter want to sign Xabi Alonso in January
According to the latest media reports in Italy, Serie A giants Inter Milan have rekindled their interest in Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso.
Rafa Benitez wanted the midfielder at the club in the summer transfer window but Real Madrid rejected their enquiry. Rafa Benitez wanted the duo of Javier Mascherano and Alonso back under him at the San Siro. Mascherano however, is a closed chapter as he
was signed by FC Barcelona following Liverpool’s appointment of Roy Hodgson at Anfield.
The duo made a superb midfield partnership at Anfield. Benitez signed Alonso from Real Sociedad after his appointment at Liverpool. The midfielder was relative unknown before his exploits at Liverpool made him a house hold name. Alonso was instrumental in
Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League triumph in 2005. Liverpool was trailing 3 – 0 at halftime against AC Milan in the final and many expected a humiliating defeat. The Reds launched a stunning fight back to score three second half goals in the space of six minutes
to win the match on penalties. Alonso was also on the score sheet for the Anfield based club.
Real Madrid signed the midfielder last season for 30 million pounds. Alonso has been a constant pick under both Manuel Pellegerini and Jose Mourinho. Real Madrid has a wealth of midfielders at their disposal in Fernando Gago, lassana Diarra, Mahamadou Diarra,
Esteban Granero, Mesut Ozil and Xabi Alonso and the club wishes to offload some of them to ease the heft wage bill. Alonso however, is more than likely to stay with
Los Merengues.
The reports suggest that Benitez is trying to convince Inter president Massimo Moratti to provide funds for a possible transfer. Inter Milan failed to strengthen their treble winning squad. Instead, Mario Balotelli was sold to Manchester City and a replacement
wasn’t even brought in.
Mourinho will be reluctant in letting go of Alonso as the midfielder has been consistently good. Also his experience in UEFA Champions League is considered a huge asset. A January transfer, thus, looks out of question.
Benitez will have to go for his man in the summer transfer period next year but even then, the Nerazzuri will have to pay in the region of 35 million pounds for Alonso’s signature.
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