Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin is among the three players that Inter are shortlisted because they want to replace Achraf Hakimi on a relatively short budget.
The economic situation is pretty bleak in the blue corner of the San Siro, and the Inter hierarchy’s determination to sell players to raise money was one of the main reasons for Antonio Conte’s controversial departure last month.
The Italian left after winning Serie A, with chairman Steven Zhang hinting at “differing views” on how the club should be run.
“We need to reduce costs and control the risks,” he said. “This obviously also affects the transfer market strategy. Our different views on the situation led to the separation. What was not fundamental to him was for the club and vice versa. Conte is a top coach, but as president I have to think about the club’s solidity.”
One thing is for sure: Conte really did not want to sell Hakimi. But it is now widely reported and in fact it is expected that the Moroccan will join PSG in a deal worth 70 million euros (60 million pounds).
Gianluca Di Marzio claims that Inter will not be in a hurry to sign a replacement as they are carefully considering their options. At this stage, however, three players have been described; Arsenal’s Bellerin, Chelsea’s Davide Zappacosta and PSV star Denzel Dumfries.
Dumfries in action for the Netherlands / BSR Agency / Getty Images
Interestingly, Di Mario states that Dumfries is least likely due to the “high cost” of the deal. But the 25-year-old, who impresses at Euro 2020, would only cost around 16 million euros (13.7 million pounds) if you can believe the reports elsewhere.
Bellerin may be marginally cheaper than he lost in two years and seemingly worried at Arsenal, but his higher salary demands would certainly compensate for any savings on the transfer fee.
However, Zappacosta seems to be the cheapest option of the three. The experienced Italian had a strong loan season in Genoa last semester, and Chelsea – with Reece James and Cesar Azpilicueta miles ahead of him in the breeding order – would likely listen to reasonable bids.
