Inter Milan want to sign a young defender this summer, with Udinese’s Jaka Bijol and Red Bull Salzburg’s Oumar Solet on their shortlist.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Over the season just gone, Inter have relied on Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij as their two main options in the centre of defense.
The two former Lazio defenders have proven more than up to the task.
The central role in Inter’s back three is one which requires physicality, reading of the game, and man-marking ability. Both Acerbi and de Vrij certainly provide those qualities.
However, the experience that has made Acerbi and de Vrij such invaluable players to Inter also means that they will not be around forever.
Both Acerbi and de Vrij are well into their thirties.
Therefore, while Inter will rely on both for next season, they also want a younger player for the role.
Jaka Bijol & Oumar Solet Top Inter Shortlist In Defense
The profile that Inter are seeking for their defense is a player with relatively similar traits to Acerbi and de Vrij.
The Nerazzurri want a tall, physically strong defender who can win aerial challenges and patrol the penalty area.
And the priority is to sign a player significantly younger than Acerbi or de Vrij. The aim would be to have that player take over the starting role in the coming season.
And the Gazzetta name two players as meeting Inter’s priority, who they are considering targets.
One is Udinese defender Bijol.
The 25-year-old Slovenian international would cost around €15-20 million to sign this summer.
Then, Salzburg could be ready to let go of 24-year-old France youth team international Solet for a fee of around €10 million.
Solet’s contract with the Austrian side expires at the end of next June. Therefore, this summer could be their last chance to cash in.
And Inter are very much paying attention to the Frenchman’s situation.
