Torino’s Alessandro Buongiorno is at the top of Inter Milan’s shortlist of potential replacements for defender Francesco Acerbi this summer.
This according to today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who report that the Nerazzurri are also tracking Perr Schuurs and Jaka Bijol for the role.
In the immediate future, Acerbi will still have a place at Inter.
The 36-year-old has emerged from an alleged racial abuse scandal with a not guilty verdict, which means that he will not be suspended. Acerbi can play as soon as Monday’s match against Empoli.
However, there are still plenty of lingering doubts about Acerbi’s future at Inter past the end of the season.
This is also the case because of the former Lazio defender’s age and injury history.
Acerbi turned 36 earlier this year. And the veteran defender has missed a couple months with two different muscle injuries during the campaign so far.
Therefore, the Corriere report, Inter are definitely starting to think about how they might replace Acerbi in the long term.
Alessandro Buongiorno Tops Inter Shortlist Of Acerbi Replacements
The Corriere report that Inter have a clear idea of the kind of profile that they want to replace Acerbi.
The Nerazzurri are seeking a defender with a similar style to the 36-year-old.
That means a player who is already used to playing in the centre of a back three defense. Physicality and man-marking ability would be key.
But at the same time, Inter would like a defender with enough versatility to also deputize on one of the wide positions of the defense.
That kind of versatility will be key to navigating the upcoming season, including the expanded Club World Cup and Champions League competitions.
And according to the Corriere, the Nerazzurri’s top target is a national teammate of Acerbi’s.
Torino defender Buongiorno is the name that Inter have circled at the top of their list.
The 24-year-old won’t come cheap, however. Torino would expect no less than €40 million for Buongiorno.
Meanwhile, the Corriere report, Inter are also eyeing up another defender currently at Torino.
24-year-old former Ajax defender Perr Schuurs has been out for the majority of this season through a muscle injury. But he has the profile Inter are looking for.
Schuurs, meanwhile, would cost around €25 million.
And as far as cheaper options within Serie A go, Inter would also consider Udinese defender Bijol as a possible target to replace Acerbi, the Corriere report.
