Inter Transfer Market: Focus on Defense; Chalobah Is the Top Target, Ausilio Is Also Considering Lucumí and Alaba

With the Khalaili deal now off the table, Inter can focus all its attention on the back line, which has become the top priority in the transfer market. After securing the goalkeeper position with the arrival of Ivan Provedel and assigning the right-back spot to a new starter, Inter must rebuild the center of their defense, which has been left exposed following the departures of Francesco Acerbi and Stefan De Vrij. The goal is to bring in two new center backs: one ready to step into a leading role right away, with experience in both Serie A and the Champions League, and a second, younger player who will develop gradually. It’s not a matter of age, but rather of reliability and the ability to fit immediately into the team’s system.

Trevoh Chalobah remains at the top of the list. The Chelsea defender has already expressed his willingness to move to Milan—a possibility that had remained merely a rumor during previous transfer windows. This time, however, mutual interest is concrete. The main obstacle remains Chelsea’s asking price, as the club continues to demand around 40 million euros. Inter considers this figure too high but is willing to work patiently, hoping that the player’s desire to join the club will help lower the Blues’ financial demands.

Things could also change in London. Chelsea, led by Xabi Alonso, is working on other defensive signings, and the potential arrival of a new center back could facilitate the 27-year-old’s departure. Furthermore, Chalobah does not appear to be considered an indispensable part of the team’s plans, while he continues to favor a move to Inter. Como also tested the waters, having tried to join the race for the English defender. After several unsuccessful attempts, however, the Como-based club decided to withdraw, partly following discussions between President Mirwan Suwarso and Beppe Marotta, who reached a sort of informal agreement to avoid a bidding war. Inter, for its part, has not yet submitted an official offer to Chelsea, but is maintaining constant contact with the player’s agents and could accelerate negotiations in the coming days.

Meanwhile, sporting director Piero Ausilio continues to evaluate alternatives. Among the names being monitored is that of free agent David Alaba, who has long been linked to the Nerazzurri, as well as Bologna’s Jhon Lucumí. The Colombian center back has a €28 million buyout clause valid until July 15; after that, the price will be subject to negotiation, though Bologna is unlikely to go below €25 million. Juventus is also keeping a close eye on Lucumí, though it currently considers the asking price too high. In the coming weeks, therefore, a new “Derby d’Italia” on the transfer market could take shape, while Inter must find the right reinforcements to rebuild a defense that has undergone a major overhaul.