'We’re working on one or two signings' - Inter Miami's Javier Mascherano addresses transfer links to Cruz Azul's Gonzalo Piovi

With the transfer window closing on Aug. 21, Javier Mascherano struck a more direct tone about Inter Miami’s transfer plans. While open to adding players - like the long-rumored deal for Cruz Azul's Gonzalo Piovi - he stressed that he doesn’t want to see further departures after Federico Redondo and Drake Callender left earlier this window, with Fafa Picault and David Ruiz also rumored to be on the way out.

“Until the last day, we’ll keep evaluating. The club is working to bring in one or two players," he said in Tuesday’s press conference ahead of the Leagues Cup quarterfinal against Tigres. "Hopefully that happens. I don’t expect any departures - we want everyone to stay until the end of the season. My idea is not to let anyone go.

“Regarding Gonzalo [Piovi], it’s already out everywhere, and it’s something the club is working on. I can’t say much more, but the club is also working on another defensive option, so we’ll see."

Cruz Azul manager Nicolás Larcamón admitted Piovi’s potential departure is a real possibility.

“I’m aware there’s significant interest from Inter Miami, and with all the machinery they have to generate attraction around players, I don’t need to explain the negative impact it could have on us. Piovi often gets involved in attacking situations because of his versatility. Losing him would be a big blow, but we have strong confidence in the rest of our squad,” Larcamón said.

Piovi, 30, would add to Miami's sizable Argentine contingent on the squad. The full back spent most of his career in Argentina's top flight before joining Cruz Azul in Liga MX in 2024. He's made 60 appearances for the club. 

According to reports, Inter Miami would be willing to pay between $6 and $7 million for Piovi. Cruz Azul originally signed him for $2.5 million, and according to Transfermarkt, the Argentine defender is currently valued at $3 million