Inter Milan have opened talks with Cesc Fabregas to become their new head coach after the departure of Simone Inzaghi.
After four years leading the Nerazzurri, Simeone stepped down in the wake of Saturday’s humiliating 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.
The Italian is now expected to sign a deal with Saudi side Al-Hilal, one that would make him the best paid coach in football.
Al-Hilal hope to have him in charge in time for their opening game of the Club World Cup against Real Madrid on 18 June.
It leaves a huge void back in Milan where Inzaghi built a formidable unit that reached two Champions League finals in three years, having missed on the Scudetto on the final day of the season last week.
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The Italian giants have now identified former Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea star Fabregas as the man to lead them forward.
The Como head coach was recently linked with the job at Bayer Leverkusen to replace Xabi Alonso following his move to Real Madrid. The former midfielder turned down the job, however, with Erik ten Hag appointed at the end of May.
Fabregas is thought to be keen on the Inter job with Sky Sports Italia reporting talks are now underway.
Corriere dello Sport report Fabregas will fly to London today to meet with Como president Mirwan Suwarso to ask to be released from his contract.
Inter hope to wrap up a deal by the weekend ahead of their own Club World Cup campaign which begins on 18 June against Monterrey.
Roberto De Zerbi, Patrick Vieira and Cristian Chivu are among the alternative options for Inter.
Fabregas’ coaching career began at Como in 2023, serving as head coach for the Undr-19 side. Following the dismissal of head coach Moreno Longo later that year, he was promoted in interim first-team head coach despite not having the required Uefa coaching badges.
Fabregas was officially appointed head coach in July 2024, signing a four-year deal. He led Como to a 10th place finish last season.
Inzaghi meanwhile confirmed his Inter departure with a heartfelt goodbye on Tuesday.
‘The time has come for me to say goodbye to this club after a four-year journey, during which I gave everything,’ said Inzaghi.
‘I want to dedicate one last word to the millions of fans who cheered me on, cried and suffered in difficult moments and laughed and celebrated in the six triumphs we experienced together. I will never forget you.’