Inter Miami in negotiations for Cruz Azul defender

As Inter Miami gears up for the second half of the MLS season, head coach Javier Mascherano is setting his sights on shoring up the team’s back line.

With the Herons aiming to lock in a playoff spot and make a serious run at both the Supporters’ Shield and the Leagues Cup, defensive stability is a top priority.

While the recent signing of Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul sparked speculation that Miami’s summer transfer window might be closed, fresh reports suggest otherwise. Behind the scenes, the club has been working on bringing in another key reinforcement—one that could give the squad a crucial boost as the playoff race heats up.

According to multiple reports (including from TUDN and Sky Sports), the Fort Lauderdale franchise is actively negotiating with Mexican club Cruz Azul to acquire Argentine center-back Gonzalo Piovi, signaling the team’s continued push to strengthen its defense.

The transfer fee is reportedly in the range of $6 to $7 million, a figure that doesn’t appear to be a roadblock for Miami’s front office. The club is confident it can finalize the deal for the defender, who previously played for Argentine sides Racing Club and Vélez Sarsfield.

Inter Miami with a free international slot

The arrival of the Cruz Azul defender looks set to materialize without any problems at Inter Miami. And as previously reported by AS USA, Mascherano and his coaching staff see the defense as the key area that needs strengthening.

Previously there was talk of the possibility of Marcos Rojo, who in the end ended up signing for Racing. In Piovi, who started 13 games in this year’s Clausura and has made three appearances in the current Apertura, they may have found the man they need.

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