Inter Milan add Benjamin Pavard and Scalvini to defenders wishlist for summer

Inter Milan have started working on defensive reinforcements for the summer, identifying a handful of targets.

Although the Nerazzurri were barely active in the January transfer window, they tightened their grip on Milan Skriniar, who was denied a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

However, that was only for the time being, as the Slovakian centre-back has an agreement in place to join the Ligue 1 giants on a free transfer next summer.

Besides, Stefan de Vrig and Francesco Acerbi are also facing uncertain futures, with their contracts at San Siro expiring in the summer.

Tuttosport reports that Inter have shortlisted a handful of names to bolster their defence, including Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard and Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini.

Pavard was subject to an offer from the Nerazzurri on the deadline day of the January transfer window, only to be turned down by the Bavarians.

However, the Frenchman is increasingly likely to leave the Allianz Arena in the summer when his current deal runs out. In addition to falling out with Julian Nagelsmann, Joao Cancelo’s signing has caused serious doubts over his future.

Inter will face tough competition from Barcelona, who are understood to be the frontrunners for his signature. The 26-year-old has also expressed his desire to wear the Blaugrana shirt.

On the other hand, a host of Europe’s top clubs, including Atletico Madrid and Manchester United are hot on the trail of Scalvini, who is one of the hottest prospects in Serie A.

La Dea have placed a price tag worth around €40 million for the young Italian defender.

Inter are also keeping tabs on AS Roma defender Chris Smalling, who is said to have declined the capital giants’ contract extension offer.

Simone Inzaghi’s side were linked with Manchester United’s defensive duo Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof and Atalanta’s Merih Demiral in the January transfer window.