Inter are tracking Lyon defender Jason Denayer as a possible replacement for Stefan de Vrij should the Dutchman depart in the summer transfer window.
This according to Italian journalist Niccolo Ceccarini, who reported on Italian news outlet TuttoMercatoWeb that the 26-year-old is among the players who the Nerazzurri have identified as a possible successor to de Vrij at the heart of their defense.
De Vrij has yet to agree a new deal with the Nerazzurri past the end of June 2023 when his current contract expires, and should he not do so then the club will likely prefer to cash in on him rather than allow him to go into the final year of his deal.
The 30-year-old has interest in the Premier League and other top European clubs, and he could also decide to move on should the right offer come along.
As Ceccarini explains, there are a number of potential targets to replace the Dutchman should he be on his way, and Denayer’s name is the latest to be added to that list.
“It’s now clear that next season there will be new arrivals in every position,” he writes. “In defense, de Vrij’s departure is increasingly probable. His future could be in the Premier League where he has many admirers.”
“Taking into account that he will be going into the last year of his contract (ending in June 30, 2023), Inter will try to monetize his sale to the maximum extent and then be able to reinvest in a top-quality profile,” he continues.
He elaborates that “The ideal would be to find a player in the Italian league. Bremer the dream signing, but he would not come cheap and competition for him is high.”
“Marotta and Ausilio will try to sign him anyway,” he continues. “Their list of alternatives is long. We have already spoken about Christensen and Senesi, and to them we must add Denayer, currently at Lyon.”
