AZ Alkmaar wingback Yukinari Sugiwara is Inter Milan’s primary target to replace Denzel Dumfries if the Dutchman departs.
This according to today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews.
Right-wingback Dumfries looks to be one of the major candidates to leave Inter this summer.
The reason for this is the 28-year-old former PSV man’s contract situation.
At the moment, Dumfries is out of contract with Inter at the end of next June.
Therefore, the Nerazzurri’s plan is clear. They either want to extend the Dutchman’s contract – or else cash in on him this summer while they still can.
Should Inter sell Dumfries, there would be interest in his signature from the Premier League.
Tuttosport note that Manchester United remain admirers of the 28-year-old.
Inter would expect a fee of around €30-35 million if they are to sell Dumfries.
Yukinari Sugawara Inter Milan’s Top Target To Replace Denzel Dumfries
If Inter do sell Dumfries, they will replace the Dutchman.
The profile sought will be a player with a similar style of play to Dumfries.
According to Tuttosport, there is one name above all that Inter would be keen on in the event of a Dumfries departure.
Sugawara has been in very good form for AZ this season.
Playing off the right flank, the 23-year-old has scored four goals and made eight assists. He has played in forty matches across all competitions for AZ.
Sugawara is a pacey player who is well-suited to a very attacking full-back role. He also has the right characteristics to play at a wingback in a system with a back three.
Therefore, Inter see Sugawara as stylistically a perfect successor to Dumfries.
Moreover, the Japanese international would be attainable on a financial level.
AZ reportedly want around €6 million to sell Sugawara. This relatively modest fee partly reflects the fact that the Dutch club do not want to lose the player on a free transfer next summer.