Inter are only going to sign Manuel Akanji instead of Francesco Acerbi if Borussia Dortmund lower their asking price, according to a report in the Italian print media today. 

As has been reported by Corriere dello Sport today, the Nerazzurri are more interested in signing Manuel Akanji in the sense that he is much younger and could help to replace either Milan Skriniar or Stefan de Vrij if they leave at the end of their contracts next summer.

The issue is that Inter’s current transfer budget for a new defender is zero. The money from the Andrea Pinamonti and Cesare Casadei deals is being used for the club in a more general manner.

Borussia Dortmund have been asking for €20 million which could be lowered to €15 million. Inter are looking to see if there is a way to agree on a loan deal that also involves him extending his Dortmund contract by one year and then Inter paying a mandatory transfer fee.