Inter Milan have not given up on signing Parma defender Giovanni Leoni, but will have to make sales first to do so.

This according to today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews.

For the last several weeks, Inter have been heavily linked with Parma defender Giovanni Leoni.

Reportedly, the 19-year-old is the player the Nerazzurri see as ideal for the long-term future of their defense.

Furthermore, the fact that Leoni had worked with coach Cristian Chivu last season has further bumped him up Inter’s list of targets.

However, the price tag for Leoni would be quite high. Reportedly, Parma are holding out for as much as €40 million to sell the teenage defender.

Inter Haven’t Given Up On Giovanni Leoni – But Must Make Sales First

PARMA, ITALY – DECEMBER 01: Giovanni Leoni of Parma Calcio during the Serie A match between Parma and SS Lazio at Stadio Ennio Tardini on December 01, 2024 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

That high price tag could be a big problem for Inter.

The Nerazzurri have already invested in the signings of Petar Sucic, Luis Henrique, and Ange-Yoan Bonny this summer.

Moreover, Inter are reportedly ready to spend big to bring in Ademola Lookman from Atalanta.

Therefore, the Nerazzurri can hardly just continue spending indefinitely. They would have to bring in more cash from players in order to fund a move for Leoni.

Inter have already brought in a total of around €18 million by selling Aleksandar Stankovic and Tajon Buchanan.

However, these are far from enough to finance a move for Leoni. Parma are hardly going to go below €35 million in their demands.

According to the Corriere dello Sport, Inter are aiming to sell the likes of Mehdi Taremi, Kristjan Asllani, Sebastiano Esposito, and Tomas Palacios.

If the Nerazzurri can collect a total of around €25-30 million from the sales of these players, then a deal for Leoni could be within reach, the newspaper anticipate.