Monday, 14th October, 2013
Erick Thohir's first major move when he takes over at Inter Milan could be to engineer an audacious swoop of former playmaker Andrea Pirlo, it has emerged.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Pirlo's ongoing stalemate in a Juventus contract renewal has opened up avenues for Inter to consider a summer move, while Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are also lurking in the wings.
Pirlo, who first switched to Inter in 1998 from Brescia, made his way to AC Milan and then on to Juventus in 2011.
Even though Juventus officials have been at pains to suggest Pirlo would not leave, his contract does expire next summer.
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And Indonesian businessman Thohir, who is close to sealing a takeover of Inter, is understood to be an admirer of Pirlo.
With Inter a hugely popular club in Asia, Thohir would be keen to make his mark in the best way possible, by snapping up the Italy centurion on a potential free transfer.
Talks about a new Juventus contract are set for next year, even if Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta claims Pirlo is happy to continue his stay with the Serie A champions.
Juventus president Andrea Agnelli also added his weight to the issue last week by saying: "He can feel safe and at home with Juventus. Andrea is one of the greatest talents to have worn the white jersey."
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