Inter Milan are ready to sign defenders Francesco Acerbi and Yann Aurel Bisseck with the fees from Lorenzo Pirola and Nicolo Zaniolo sales.

This according to today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews. The newspaper details the Nerazzurri’s plan to use transfer fees from young players to fund the bolstering of their defensive ranks.

Inter are starting to plan out what their defense will look like at the start of next season.

One player they want to keep is Lazio-owned defender Acerbi. Having joined on loan from the Biancocelesti on deadline day of last summer transfer window, the 35-year-old has established himself as an absolutely key player in the centre of Inter’s back three.

The Nerazzurri have a purchase option of €4 million on Acerbi. There is no question of their wanting to sign him on a permanent basis.

Whilst Inter don’t want to pay quite that entire fee for the former Sassuolo man, they don’t want negotiations to drag out.

Accordingly, the Nerazzurri will likely aim to make an offer that Lazio will accept right away.

At the other end of the experience spectrum is 22-year-old Germany youth international Bisseck. The Nerazzurri are reportedly close to signing the German from Danish club Aarhus. They have agreed a €7 million fee paid in two instalments.

Inter To Fund Acerbi & Bisseck Purchases With Pirola & Zaniolo Fees

Inter have a clear idea of how they will be able to afford the signings of Acerbi and Bisseck.

First, there is young defender Pirola. Salernitana are triggering the €5 million purchase option to sign the 21-year-old, after having him on loan in the season just gone.

Meanwhile, the sale of Nicolo Zaniolo from Roma to Galatasaray also guaranteed Inter a windfall.

The Italian international departed from the Stadio Olimpico for a fee of around €23 million.

Inter took in a 15% chunk of that fee. This is because of a sell-on clause in the deal for Zaniolo to join Roma in 2018.

The midfielder joined the Giallorossi as a former Inter youth team star.

Along with the fee for Pirola, that sell-on fee can bring in enough cash to fund deals for Acerbi and Bisseck.