Juventus to rival Inter for Spezia defender Emil Holm

Serie A giants Juventus and Inter Milan are set to go head to head in the race to sign Spezia defender Emil Holm, according to Calciomercato.

The Sweden international has impressed for the struggling Spezia this term despite posting just a goal and two assists in 20 league games from right back.

The relegation-threatened side managed to hold on to the 22-year-old during the January window. But they will struggle to repel interest in their defender next summer, especially if they are relegated.

Holm is currently enjoying a breakout campaign after arriving from a loan spell with second-tier side Sonderjyske in Denmark, but Juve and Inter are already keeping tabs on the young defender.

Juve are on the market for a long-term replacement for Juan Cuadrado, with the 34-year-old’s contract set to expire at the end of the season.

The Old Lady have a couple of names on their shortlist, including AS Roma outcast Rick Karsdorp, but the club’s financial situation has slowed their movement in the market.

The Bianconeri, who have been docked 15 points following allegations of false accounting and market manipulation, are planning a summer clearout that will see several first-team stars leave the club.

However, Holm is one of the most talked about players in the market, and Juve are keen on his signature despite Spezia slapping a €7 million asking price on the defender.

Meanwhile, Juve will have to contend with rivals Inter who are also looking for a right back with the future of Denzel Dumfries up in the air.

The Dutchman has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League with Manchester United interested, and he could leave the Nerazzurri in the summer.

Like their Italian counterparts, Inter also find themselves in a precarious financial situation and will need to sell some of their biggest stars next summer.

Dumfries could leave the club, and Simone Inzaghi’s side are keen to replace the Netherlands international with the Spezia defender.

AS Roma have also registered interest in Holm, with Jose Mourinho’s men looking to replace the exiled Karsdorp.