Inter Milan have established themselves as clear favourites to sign Udinese defender Oumar Solet this summer, with the advantage they built over rival clubs last summer having grown significantly in recent months.

According to Sportitalia, via FCInterNews, Inter’s pursuit of Solet stretches back to last summer, and that head start has proven invaluable.

While other clubs have shown interest, none have matched the groundwork Inter have laid with both the player and his club over an extended period.

Solet fits the profile Inter are looking for as they plan a major defensive overhaul.

Acerbi and De Vrij both depart on free transfers this summer, leaving significant gaps to fill at the back.

Udinese Defender Solet Earmarked As Part Of Inter Milan Squad Overhaul

The French defender would arrive as part of a new-look defensive unit built around the players Inter intend to keep, with Akanji and Bisseck both expected to remain.

Should Alessandro Bastoni ultimately accept Barcelona’s advances, a scenario Sportitalia acknowledge carries real risk, Solet’s arrival becomes even more important as a cornerstone of the rebuild.

His physicality, reading of the game and experience in Serie A make him an ideal fit for Chivu’s system.

Inter have identified him as a long-term solution rather than a short-term fix, and right now, they lead the race.