Reports: Diego Godín to join Inter Milan on a free next summer

Diego Godín is set to leave Atlético Madrid in the summer on a free transfer to join Serie A side Inter Milan.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Italy, the Uruguayan’s contract expires on June 30 and negotiations with Atlético had stalled, with the Italian side swooping to reportedly sign him on a two year deal with an option for a third.

Manchester United were interested in the defender — or so reports claimed — during the summer but a last minute deal fell through and Godín stayed on. Jose Mourinho was looking for a talented and experienced central defender to improve his backline, but Atlético’s captain elected not to move.

Inter have a relatively new owner who is currently trying to bring Inter Milan back into both European and domestic contention. Their pursuit of Luka Modric last summer was said to be serious and they will return for the Croatian at the close of the season according to other reports. They signed former Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta to improve their squad and he is currently active in chasing players to get the team back to the top of the Italian league.

Godín arrived at Atlético in 2010, landing at the club before even Diego Simeone, and has been a stalwart in red and white. But with Lucas Hernandez and Jose Gimenez seemingly ready to step in, Atlético might be smart to part company with Godín after his incredible years of service.

The 32-year-old has won a league title, the Copa del Rey, the Europa League, the Spanish Super Cup and the European Super Cup and finished as runner-up in the Champions League twice during his time at the club.