Roma’s Chris Smalling and West Ham United’s Konstantinos Mavropanos are among Inter Milan’s targets in defense.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Inter will most likely be looking to sign a player to reinforce their defense in the summer transfer window.
The Nerazzurri currently have Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij as central players in the back three.
However, both are well into their thirties, and their contracts expire at the end of June 2025.
Moreover, Acerbi is currently at the centre of a firestorm concerning his alleged racial abuse of Napoli’s Juan Jesus. Therefore, the 36-year-old former Lazio man’s future at Inter is in doubt.
Accordingly, the Gazzetta note, Inter are in the hunt for a tall, physical centre-back with strong man-marking ability around the penalty area to bolster their defense.
Inter Eye Up Chris Smalling & Konstantinos Mavropanos
One player who has been on Inter’s radar for some time now is former Manchester United defender Smalling.
The 34-year-old has been at Roma for the past five seasons.
Smalling signed a contract extension with the Giallorossi last summer, precluding Inter’s efforts to sign him on a free transfer.
But the Nerazzurri still see the Englishman as a Serie A-proven option in the role.
Meanwhile, another player who Inter have long been an admirer of is Mavropanos.
The Greek international had been among the Nerazzurri’s targets to replace Milan Skriniar last summer, before they ended up signing Benjamin Pavard.
Instead, Mavropanos wound up at West Ham United.
The Hammers signed the former Arsenal defender from Stuttgart.
But Mavropanos has found playing time somewhat hard to come by at the London Stadium this season. He has not been a regular in the starting eleven.
This could mean that West Ham are willing to listen to offers for Mavropanos.
And Inter have not lost their interest in the player.
