When Achraf Hakimi arrived to Inter last summer and took Serie A by storm, the Nerazzurri fans were hoping that this would be a long and prosperous cooperation.
However, things can quickly change in football, and Antonio Conte’s exit few days exit after sealing the Scudetto title foreshadowed the sale of at least one major star player.
With golden strike-duo Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez expected to remain at Appiano Gentile, the Morocco international will end up being the sacrificial lamb in order to balance the books, as he is one step from completing a 70 million euros transfer towards Paris Saint Germain, and Fabrizio Romano has already given his signature Here We Go for this one.
Therefore, new manager Simone Inzaghi will need a new right wingback to fill the gap left by the Real Madrid academy product, and we prepared a list composed of his best five realistic options.
5- Matteo Darmian (Inter)
The former Manchester United man isn’t listed at the bottom due to the his abilities, but simply because it would be the laziest and cheapest option for Giuseppe Marotta and company.
The Italian acted as a great servant for Inter last season, and even pushed Hakimi for a starting berth in the middle of the campaign, whilst also being deployed on the left. He contributed with an impressive 3 goals and 4 assists in his 29 league appearances.
Although Inzaghi needs a new player, Darmian can still act as a quick-fix at worst case scenario.
Matteo Darmian scored the winner vs Hellas Verona to take Inter closer to the Serie A title and Antonio Conte went crazy ?? pic.twitter.com/I9J6wLKtYG
— Goal (@goal) April 25, 2021
4- Hector Bellerin (Arsenal)
The Spaniard has been at Arsenal for ten years now, but a change of air could be useful to reignite his stalled career.
At the age of 26, the Barcelona youth product is still a relatively young player, and he could be a success story for the Beneamata – if they can manage to agree a deal with the Gunners.
Inter Milan are interested in signing Arsenal's Hector Bellerin, Sky in Italy are reporting.
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 27, 2021
3- Davide Zappacosta (Chelsea)
After being plagued with injuries in the last few years, the former Atalanta and Torino man proved to be one of the best wingbacks in the league whilst playing on loan at Genoa last season.
The Italian can comfortably play on either flank, so even if Inter opt to replace Hakimi with another player, the 29-year-old would still be a great addition to Inzaghi’s squad.
With only one year left on his contract, Chelsea should sell him on the cheap.
? Inter Milan are prepared to spend €15M on Hakimi ?? replacement. Hector Bellerin ?? and Davide Zappacosta ?? are believed to be targets. #FCIM #AFC #CFC
(via @Gazzetta_it?)
— Football Transfers (@Transferzone00) June 25, 2021
2- Thomas Meunier (Borussia Dortmund)
When Hakimi left Dortmund last summer, the Germans replaced him Meunier, so could the Belgian be destined to succeed him once again?
Even though we’re yet to read reports linking the former PSG man to the Nerazzurri, such a move could make sense, considering how the player had an underwhelming first season in Germany.
However, Meunier remains a brilliant wingback, and new BVB manager Marco Rose could be reluctant to let him leave so soon.
Thomas Meunier in the 2018 World Cup Round of 16: ?️
Thomas Meunier in the #EURO2020 Round of 16: ?️
Helping his team in the knockouts again. pic.twitter.com/XrKWn8gYeo
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 27, 2021
1- Manuel Lazzari (Lazio)
The former Spal player might be the least recognized name on the list for European football fans, but Calcio fanatics have probably caught him on their radars a while ago.
The 27-year-old is ready to enter the prime years of his career, and after serving under the guidance of Inzaghi for two seasons, he makes the perfect candidate to replace Hakimi at Inter. Moreover, his explosive runs on the flank can be very similar to the Moroccan’s.
Although he won’t come cheaply, reuniting the Italian with his former Lazio coach is the most logical move for the Italian champions.
It has been reported that Lazio are said to want at least €25 million for Manuel Lazzari, whose contract in Rome is set to expire on June 30 2024
Lazzari is considered to be Inter’s top target to replace Hakimi. They are one of the front runners to sign him
[via @SempreIntercom pic.twitter.com/tzP54Qjy90— Jerry Mancini (@jmancini8) June 25, 2021