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Athletico Paranaense goalkeeper Bento has confirmed that Inter Milan have inquired about the possibility of signing him in the summer transfer window.
Bento rose through Athletico’s academy ranks and has since established himself as one of the most sought-after young goalkeepers in Brazilian football, making 160 appearances in all competitions for his boyhood club.
The 24-year-old was rewarded with his first international call-up last year and went on to make his senior debut in March, in the absence of Alisson and Ederson, as Endrick inspired Brazil to a 1-0 victory over England at Wembley.
Bento’s impressive form has not gone unnoticed in Europe, with the likes of Wolves, Nottingham Forest and Benfica linked, and Athletico are believed to have turned down a bid of £12.5million from an unnamed club in January.
Chelsea have also been credited with a strong interest in Bento’s services as they look to strengthen between the sticks in the summer, with Mauricio Pochettino alternating between Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic this season.
However, it’s understood Inter Milan, the newly crowned Italian champions, are in pole position to land Bento and the Brazil international refused to rule out a summer switch to the San Siro when quizzed on his future by ESPN this week.
‘What I know is that it’s speculation. Inter only asked, they didn’t make an official proposal,’ Bento explained.
‘I’m happy that they mention my name, it’s the result of my work and my performances here at Athletico.
‘If a proposal actually arrives, we’ll see what happens.
‘It will be about meeting the club and my agents so that, if it happens, it happens in the best way for everyone.’
Inter have made no secret of their interest in Bento, with the club’s assistant sporting director, Dario Baccin, confirming the ‘keeper had been added to their transfer shortlist.
‘It’s true, we are monitoring Brazilian goalkeeper Bento,’ Baccin told Sky Sport Italia.
‘We are happy with our goalkeepers but Bento is on our shortlist of talents. He’s one that we are following.’
With Inter seemingly honing in on Bento’s signature, Chelsea could be forced to look elsewhere to bolster their goalkeeping options ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Sanchez and Petrovic are yet to prove themselves as viable long-term solutions in goal and Everton’s Jordan Pickford has been mooted as a possible target, as well as out-of-favour Arsenal man Aaron Ramsdale.
Speaking on Premier League Productions, Owen Hargreaves warned Chelsea that they faced the prospect of another ‘tricky’ campaign should they fail to strengthen in goal and up front this summer.
‘I think if they can work on finding a centre-forward in the summer, sort out the goalkeeping position, they’ve got some amazing young talents there,’ the ex-England and Bayern Munich midfielder said.
‘It would be really interesting to see what Chelsea do next season because I honestly don’t have a clue how they’re going to play.
‘Don’t spend money – just get a goalkeeper, get a striker.
‘Find some leaders within the group, they’re almost all at the same age, at the same point in their career, I don’t think that’s a good thing.
‘I think when you’re a team and you’re young and you’re struggling, you need reference points. You need leaders and I don’t think they have that outside Thiago Silva.
‘Right now they’re in great form, that’s good but I think they could have another tricky season next season if they don’t address key positions.’
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