Inter Milan eye Palmeiras’ Club World Cup star Richard Rios

Inter Milan have enquired about the possibility of signing Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios, according to Spanish journalist Matteo Moretto.

The Colombian international’s performances in the Club World Cup have caught the attention of top European clubs, including Inter.

Rios has been instrumental in the Brazilian club’s unbeaten run. He provided the assist for Paulinho’s winner against Botafogo in the Round of 16.

The 25-year-old has been a key cog in Palmeiras’ engine room, playing a pivotal role in the Brazilian Serie A title in 2023 and the Campeonato Paulista the following year.

He was also part of the Colombian team that finished as runners-up in the Copa America last year.

Rios has emerged as Inter’s latest target as a potential replacement for Hakan Calhanoglu.

The Turkish midfielder faces an uncertain future at San Siro following his latest rift with captain Lautaro Martinez and president Beppe Marotta.

Galatasaray have tabled a lucrative offer for the 31-year-old, who is also keen on a move to his homeland.

Inter have placed a price tag worth €40 million and are planning to reinvest in a top-quality midfielder.

Rios combines physicality and excellent reading of the game to flourish in the defensive midfield role.

He is also an excellent progressive passer and has a wide passing range and long-range shooting abilities.

The Colombian’s industrious nature and robustness make him a tailor-made option for Inter and help revitalise their midfield.

His stock will rise if he carries on his fine run of form in the Club World Cup, with Palmeiras facing Chelsea in the quarter-final.

With an ageing Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Davide Frattesi’s tentative future, the Nerazzurri need reinforcements in the centre of the park.

They have added Petar Sucic to their ranks in this transfer window, and the Croatian midfielder has shown more promise at the Club World Cup.

Inter have lined up Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller and Atalanta’s Ederson as midfield targets.