Inter Milan Make Arsenal Wantaway Top Target In Defense – Zenit St. Petersburg Star Also On Shortlist

Inter Milan have put Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior at the top of their defensive shortlist, which also contains Zenit St. Petersburg’s Robert Renan.

This according to Italian news outlet Gazzetta.it. They report that the Nerazzurri prefer either of that duo to either Mario Hermoso or Ricardo Rodriguez.

Potentially the last major signing Inter will make this summer will be for the left side of the defense.

The Nerazzurri had been on the verge of sealing a deal for Hellas Verona defender Juan Cabal last week.

However, Juventus nipped in at the last moment. They made a higher offer than Inter for the Colombian, signing him.

Therefore, Inter are back to square one in their search for a defender.

But the profile that the Nerazzurri are aiming to sign remains the same as ever.

The strategy is to sign a left-footed defender who can back up Alessandro Bastoni.

That way the versatile Brazilian Carlos Augusto does not have to deputize for Bastoni. This will in turn allow him to play at wingback exclusively whilst Tajon Buchanan is out following a serious leg break.

Inter Make Kiwior Top Defensive Target – Renan Also On Their List

In any event, Inter’s idea is to sign a player who is well-suited to playing on the left of a back three.

This would either mean signing a defender who has played in that role before – or one who has experience playing at both left-back and centre-back.

Cabal had been just such a player. But Inter missed out.

Former AC Milan defender Rodriguez also has that profile, and has been playing in a back three at Torino for three season.

Similarly, Mario Hermoso has played on the left of a back three for Atletico Madrid in recent campaigns.

Moreover, both Rodriguez and Hermoso are available on free transfers this summer.

However, the Swiss international is 31, whilst the Spaniard is 29. That is older than the age profile that Inter owners Oaktree Capital are seeking to invest in, even if on free transfers.

On the other hand, Arsenal defender Kiwior is just 24.

The Polish former Spezia defender reportedly wants to leave the Emirates. He is in search of more playing time, particularly with the anticipate arrival of Ricardo Calafiori from Bologna.

According to the Gazzetta, Kiwior is Inter’s top target in defense.

But Zenit defender Renan is also on the Nerazzurri’s shortlist.

At twenty years of age, the Brazilian certainly meets Oaktree’s criteria of a younger player with a lot of room to grow unlike either Rodriguez or Hermoso.