Inter are set to focus their efforts on convincing Chris Smalling to leave Roma this summer and join as a free agent, after enjoying success with low-cost transfer last year.
As reported in today’s newspaper edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Englishman has emerged as a genuine option for Inter’s defence as he approaches the final months of his contract with the Giallorossi, and is yet to commit his future to them.
The Nerazzurri have been heartened by their ability to pick up high quality players at low cost, with some of their best acquisitions in the summer coming as free agents.
Indeed, Inter raided Roma for midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan after his contract at the Stadio Olimpico expired, whilst goalkeeper Andre Onana arrived as a free agent from Ajax.
Similarly, the loan deal that brought centre-back Francesco Acerbi in from Lazio has proven to be successful.
In contract, more costly transfers, such as that of Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea, Raoul Bellanova from Cagliari, and Kristjan Asllani from Empoli, have been less effective so far.
