Inter are set for a transfer battle with Juventus to sign Roma defender Chris Smalling in the event that Stefan de Vrij leaves the club next summer.
This according to today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews, who report that both the Nerazzurri and the Bianconeri would be keen on the 33-year-old, who Inter would line up as a direct replacement for de Vrij.
Smalling’s contract with Roma is set to run out at the end of June 2023.
The Englishman has yet to decide on whether to exercise the automatic option on his part to extend his deal.
The Giallorossi are keen to keep hold of the former Manchester United defender, but both Inter and Juventus are lurking with a strong interest in signing him on a free transfer.
For Inter’s part, they are looking for defensive reinforcements in the event that de Vrij leaves at the end of his own contract next summer should they not agree an extension with the Dutchman.
Meanwhile, Francesco Acerbi’s situation is also up in the air given that he is on loan from Lazio and no decision has made on whether or not to sign him permanently next summer, another reason why the Nerazzurri are keen on Smalling.
The Bianconeri also sense a free transfer opportunity with the Englishman, who they could offer more than the €3.5 million net per season that he earns at Roma.
