AC Milan lead the race for Giovanni Leoni after selling Malick Thiaw to Newcastle United, but Inter Milan could sell Yann Bisseck to Bournemouth.

This according to today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper La Repubblica, via FCInterNews.

All eyes are on Parma defender Giovanni Leoni. The 19-year-old has emerged as one of the outstanding defenders in Serie A before even turning twenty.

Leoni had already caught Inter’s eye last summer. However, they failed to get a deal done with Sampdoria for him as Parma instead signed the young defender.

But Leoni’s performances last season truly solidified Inter’s interest. Not least after Inter appointed Cristian Chivu as coach from Parma.

Meanwhile, AC Milan are no less keen on signing Leoni. Max Allegri has made the teenage defender a priority target.

Furthermore, the fact that Milan are close to selling Malick Thiaw could enable them to move for Leoni.

AC Milan Lead Race For Leoni After Thiaw Sale – But Could Inter Sell Bisseck To Bournemouth?

Yann Bisseck Inter Milan
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 06: Yann Aurel Bisseck of FC Internazionale celebrates after his team’s victory in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FC Barcelona at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Milan will reportedly pocket a fee of around €40 million for Thiaw. The German is one step from joining Newcastle United.

And this would certainly be a big boost to the Rossoneri in the race for Leoni.

Therefore, reports Le Repubblica, Milan are currently in the strongest position to sign the teenage defender.

However, La Repubblica note, Inter could sell a German defender of their own to the Premier League.

After selling Ilya Zabarnyi to Paris Saint-Germain, Bournemouth could bid €40 million for 24-year-old Inter defender Yann Bisseck.

In that case, it would become far more feasible for Inter to sign Leoni.