Inter are moving ahead with an approach for Napoli centre-back Nikola Maksimovic rather than pursue Bayern Munich’s Jerome Boateng, according to Italian journalist Niccolo Ceccarini.
Writing in an editorial on Tuttomercatoweb.com, Ceccarini claims that Inter have already begun planning for next season and are determined to strengthen as they close in on the Scudetto, and will look to bring in a striker, left winger, and a centre-back.
Midfielders Arturo Vidal and Matias Vecino may be sold, whilst defender Aleksandar Kolarov is set to be released, prompting Inter to focus their attention on Maksimovic.
The former Torino centre-back will be free agent this summer as his contract expires, and Inter have pressed ahead with talks to bring him in. Whilst they had shown interest in Bayern Munich’s Boateng, his high wage demands now make a deal unlikely and Maksimovic remains the target.
Elsewhere, Inter remain keen to sign Emerson Palmieri at left wing-back, but Chelsea’s transfer fee demands could prove a stumbling block. Alternatively, they will look to Roma’s Alessandro Florenzi, although this is dependent on Paris Saint-Germain not exercising an option for a permanent deal in their loan agreement.
In attack, Andrea Pinamonti is likely to be sent out on loan and with Roma refusing to lower their valuation on Edin Dzeko, Inter may instead turn to Chelsea’s Olivier Giroud, also a free agent this summer.
