Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez is close to committing his future to the club with a new contract, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
The Spaniard’s 22-year association with Los Blancos will rumble on for at least another campaign with a new contract on the horizon.
Nacho was one of several players expected to leave Santiago Bernabeu this summer, with Inter Milan tabling a formal offer to snap him up.
However, the versatile 33-year-old has performed a stunning U-turn, committing his future to Madrid in a huge blow to the Champions League finalists.
Nacho’s renewal talks with Madrid had previously hit the buffers, with both parties failing to see eye-to-eye on the contract duration.
The Spaniard wanted a long-term deal despite being in the latter stages of his career, but Los Blancos were unwilling to meet his demands.
However, both sides have found an agreement that will see Nacho continue his two-decade-long adventure with the decorated Spanish heavyweights.
Having graduated through the youth ranks at Madrid, Nacho has racked up over 300 appearances in an illustrious career with Los Merengues, bagging 16 goals and nine assists.
Boasting a rare ability to feature anywhere across the back four, Nacho played his part in Madrid’s massively underwhelming campaign this term, making 44 appearances across all competitions.
Inter had offered the Spain international a three-year deal to continue his career in the Italian top-flight, but they will have to turn their attention elsewhere in search of defensive reinforcements.
The Nerazzurri are still in the market for a long-term replacement for Milan Skriniar, who will join Paris Saint-Germain when his contract runs out this summer.
Inter’s recent upturn in fortunes means their economic situation has received a significant boost, allowing them to hang on to some of their high-profile names, including Alessandro Bastoni.
They have been locked in negotiations with the impressive centre-back for several months but to no avail.
With the contract talks dragging on, rumours have begun circulating that the Italian could exit the San Siro this summer, with several clubs monitoring his situation.
