Al Hilal Saudi Club has renewed its efforts to sign Francesco Acerbi, the Italian Inter Milan defender, in response to head coach Simone Inzaghi's desire to strengthen the defense during the winter transfer window.

Inzaghi requested the management to sign a new central defender to serve as a replacement for the Senegalese Kalidou Koulibaly, who is currently participating with his national team in the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Italian journalist Nicolo Schira confirmed that Acerbi has returned to Al Hilal's radar, after having been a target for the team since the summer transfer window, but the defender chose to stay at Inter Milan at that time.

Al Hilal's management has once again begun negotiations with Inter Milan, especially since Acerbi has the trust of Inzaghi and is considered his preferred defensive option for the upcoming period.

Acerbi's contract ends at the conclusion of the current season, and Inter Milan is expected to try to sell his contract in January rather than lose him for free next summer.

This season, Acerbi has played 12 matches with Inter Milan across all competitions, totaling 987 minutes on the field, and has provided one assist, reflecting his extensive experience that Al Hilal needs.