Torino defender Alessandro Buongiorno is the “dream” at the top of Inter Milan’s five-man shortlist of targets in defense this summer.

This according to Italian news outlet Calciomercato.com. The outlet also names Sam Beukema, Olivier Boscagli, Mario Hermoso, and Jaka Bijol as prospective targets at the back for the Nerazzurri.

Inter are likely to make a signing in defense this summer.

The Nerazzurri will aim to reinforce the backline with a player capable of playing in the central position in the back three.

Currently, Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij are the main options in that role. Both have been more than sufficient this season – but both are well into their thirties.

Therefore, Inter will aim to sign a player with a view to the future.

And according to Calciomercato, there are five players in particular who the Nerazzurri are eyeing up in this respect.

Alessandro Buongiorno Tops Inter 5 Man Shortlist Of Defensive Targets

CM reports that Torino and Italy defender Alessandro Buongiorno is the “dream” for Inter.

The 24-year-old has exactly the profile that the Nerazzurri would be looking for. His size, strength, and man-marking ability have made him very adept at defending the penalty area in Torino’s back three.

Buongiorno’s experience in Serie A, and playing in a back three, would be further points in the Italian international’s favour.

However, the big stumbling block to signing Buongiorno would be the price tag.

The 24-year-old will cost at least €40 million.

However, CM notes, Inter could aim to chip away at that fee by offering a player going in the other direction as well.

Martin Satriano, Francesco Pio Esposito, and Valentin Carboni could be possible counterparts in a player-plus-cash offer for Buongiorno.

A cheaper option from within Serie A than Buongiorno could be represented by Bologna defender Sam Beukema.

The Dutchman joined the Rossoblu last summer. And he has been impressing in his first season with the club.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso is also on the Nerazzurri’s radar.

There would be significant competition to sign the 28-year-old on a free transfer. But Inter have proven capable of taking advantage of free opportunities in recent years.

Two other names on Inter’s shortlist, CM reports, are PSV’s Olivier Boscagli and Udinese’s Jaka Bijol.