Nantes have rejected an offer from Inter Milan for teenage defender Nathan Zeze worth around €13 million.

This according to French outlet Ouest France, via FCInterNews. They report that the 19-year-old has emerged as a name on the Nerazzurri’s list of targets in defense.

One way or another, Inter are planning to sign a left-sided defender this summer.

The Nerazzurri’s strategy follows from a serious injury that wingback Buchanan suffered.

The Canadian suffered a serious leg break in training while with the Canadian national team at the Copa America this summer. The recovery period will see him miss the first few months of the season.

Therefore, Carlos Augusto will be required to play exclusively at wingback whilst Buchanan is out. The versatile Brazilian will not be available to cover in defense.

As such, Inter are looking to sign a defender who can play on the left side of the back three.

Inter have always appeared to have two options for signing a defender.

One would be to move for a free transfer or loan opportunity. Ex-AC Milan defender Ricardo Rodriguez’s deal with Torino has expired, whilst Mario Hermoso is another possibility as he’s out of contract with Atletico Madrid.

On the other hand, the Nerazzurri could also aim for a younger defender. That is reportedly the preference of owners Oaktree.

Nantes Reject Inter Offer For Nathan Zeze

Inter had reportedly been on the verge of a deal for defender Juan Cabal before he instead joined Juventus.

That would have represented a move for a younger profile.

Meanwhile the likes of Zenit St. Petersburg’s Robert Renan, Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior, and Genoa’s Johan Vazquez are also on the Nerazzurri’s radar.

This appears to be the direction that Inter are moving in.

And according to Ouest France, the Nerazzurri have sounded out a possible transfer in Ligue 1.

The outlet report that Inter have already made an offer for the Frenchman, who made a total of 22 appearances in Ligue 1 last season.

This offer would have been worth around €12-13 million.

However, Ouest France report, Nantes rejected this bid from Inter.