Inter have a decision to make as they target two left-backs to reinforce their backline on the back of Aleksandar Kolarov’s departure. As reported by Tuttosport (via SempreInter), the Nerazzurri are interested in Chelsea’s Emerson Palmieri and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Filip Kostic.
Despite playing a starring role at the left wing-back in Antonio Conte’s 3-5-2 set-up, Ashley Young is on the cusp of leaving Inter after failing to extend his contract. With Kolarov and Young out of the picture, the Nerazzurri need to sign a new left-back in the upcoming transfer window, and they already have two names on their shortlist.
The first is Kostic of Frankfurt. The Serbian wing-back has been one of the most productive players in the Bundesliga over the past couple of seasons. In 2020/21, the 28-year-old Kostic racked up four goals and 17 assists in 30 league appearances despite playing wide.
However, it seems Inter’s first-choice target is Emerson, who is likely to leave Stamford Bridge after struggling to secure regular first-team football. The ex-Roma left-back has found himself bottom of the pecking order, with Ben Chilwell and Marcos Alonso being the Blues’ preferred options.
According to the latest reports, the newly-crowned Serie A champions are ready to splash out €10million to land the 26-year-old Brazi-born star. However, Chelsea are holding out for €20m as they hope to use Emerson as a bargaining chip to sign Inter’s in-demand ace Achraf Hakimi.
A potential formula for Hakimi to move to the Premier League is a cash-plus-player deal that would see Chelsea dash out €50m plus Emerson.