Inter are scouring the market in search of a new left wing-back to grant head coach Simone Inzaghi a suitable replacement for the departing Ivan Perisic. The 33-year-old is on the verge of signing a two-year contract at Tottenham Hotspur ahead of his reunion with Antonio Conte.
Perisic’s imminent departure will leave Inzaghi short of options on the left. Though Inter forked out €25m to acquire Gosens’ signature from Atalanta in January, the Germans’ recurring injury problems have limited his playing time at Giuseppe Meazza.
With Gosens often forced off the action with injuries, Perisic soaked up the limelight as Inter’s most dependable left-hand performer in 2021/22. There’s no doubt that the Croat’s switch to Tottenham will leave a substantial hole in Inzaghi’s squad, hence the Italians’ frantic search for a replacement.
Federico Dimarco, who occasionally filled the void on the left, has failed to live up to expectations. The Italian defender has been far better playing as part of Inzaghi’s preferred three-man backline as Inzaghi looks to reintegrate him into his defensive line-up.
Dimarco’s expected drop to the back means Inter will have to dive back into the market to add another option on the left. Here’s the list of five players the Nerazzurri could pursue this summer.
#1 Filip Kostic
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Filip Kostic was Inter’s top target last summer, but the deal fell through due to a lack of funds.
The Serbia international has stayed put in the Bundesliga and helped Eintracht conquer the Europa League in 2021/22, earning a godlike status at the Deutsche Bank Park.
Die Adler would like to keep hold of their headline performer, yet Inter are tipped to make another push to complete the deal and succeed this time around.
#2 Federico Bernardeschi
It’s not been the career Federico Bernardeschi was hoping for when he left Fiorentina to join Juventus in 2017.
Despite moving to Turin carrying a reputation as the brightest Italian talent, the 28-year-old has been a flop at the Allianz Stadium.
Fast forward five years, Bernardeschi is set to leave Juventus on a free transfer as one of the worst signings in the club’s recent history.
But no one can deny the winger’s technical and tactical prowess, so maybe under the proper management, he could fulfil his potential.
#3 Fabiano Parisi
The name of Fabiano Parisi may not be the most appealing one to the Inter fans, given his relatively sparse experience in top-flight football.
Those who doubt Parisi’s ability to make a quantum leap after his maiden Serie A season may well have a point, as the 21-year-old struggled for a goal contribution in 25 league appearances for Empoli this past season.
But the Italian remains one of the most highly-rated young talents in Serie A, and Beppe Marotta certainly knows why he has Parisi’s name on his shopping list.
#4 Andrea Cambiaso
It was an embarrassing season for Genoa, who suffered relegation from Serie A for the first time since 2006/07. Yet, Andrea Cambiaso was a rare shining light at Luigi Ferraris.
The 22-year-old made 26 Serie A appearances for the Rossoblu in 2021/22, racking up a goal and four assists.
His versatility could make him an invaluable asset for Inter, as he is well versed in covering virtually any position at the back and deep in the midfield.
#5 Destiny Udogie
Last but not least, Destiny Udogie developed into one of the finest attacking-minded left-backs in Serie A during his outstanding season-long loan at Udinese.
In his first full season in Italy’s top-flight, the lightning-quick 19-year-old tallied five goals and three assists despite playing for a bottom-half side.
After an utterly impressive season at Dacia Arena, Udinese will buy Udogie out from Hellas Verona and could look to make a substantial profit by selling him on to the highest bidder.