Kim Min-Jae, Konstantinos Mavropanos, and Chris Smalling are among Inter Milan’s targets in defense this summer.

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.

Kim, Mavropanos & Smalling Among Inter Targets In Defense

The big opportunity for Inter could be a surprise move for Bayern Munich defender Kim.

The 27-year-old only joined the German champions last summer. But it has not been a debut season that has quite gone according to expectations for him.

Kim has recently fallen out of favour in Bayern’s starting eleven.

Therefore, the Gazzetta report, the South Korean international is increasingly unhappy with his situation in Bavaria. He could push for an exit at the end of the campaign.

And the former Fenerbahce defender did enjoy one very positive season in Serie A – helping power Napoli to last season’s title.

Therefore, the Gazzetta anticipate, Kim would like a return to the Italian top flight.

And Inter could seize upon that fact. The Gazzetta report that the Nerazzurri are testing the waters as far as a loan move for Kim this summer.

Meanwhile, 26-year-old Greek international Mavropanos is a player who Inter have eyed up for some time.

The former Arsenal defender returned to London last summer. He joined West Ham United from Stuttgart.

But Mavropanos has not been a guaranteed starter for the Hammers by any means.

And Inter could swoop for the Greek this summer.

Lastly, the Gazzetta name Roma defender Smalling as a target for the Nerazzurri.

The 34-year-old former Manchester United defender has convinced with his performances in Serie A, playing in the centre of a back three.

But the biggest issue with Smalling would be concerns about the player’s fitness.

The Englishman was out for several months this season due to tendon issues.