Inter Milan Explores Right-Back Options, Eyes Givairo Read as Dumfries Successor

Milan, Italy — Ekhbary News Agency

Inter Milan is meticulously evaluating various players for the right-back position, seeking a suitable successor for Denzel Dumfries. The club's leadership is reflecting deeply on this crucial decision for their transfer market strategy. Initial targets, Palestra and Khalaili, did not materialize; the former due to Chelsea's aggressive financial offer, the latter because the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) denied sports eligibility to the Israeli player.

Djed Spence's High Valuation and Chivu's Preferences

Piero Ausilio, who remained in Milan, will join the German training camp tomorrow, relieving Dario Baccin, to confer with Cristian Chivu. Djed Spence remains a prominent name on their list. English reports suggest the former Genoa player could depart if a compelling offer arrives. Spence, capable of operating on both flanks, saw his value rise significantly after a strong World Cup performance; acquiring him would likely cost around 35 to 40 million euros. This substantial price tag, for what it's worth, poses a significant hurdle for Inter. While Chivu appreciates the player, who also favors a move to Inter, the coach reportedly prefers a specialist right-back, someone adept at creating numerical superiority, beating defenders, scoring, and assisting. Spence's zero goals and key passes with the Spurs last season, it must be said, do not bolster his case for this specific role.

Givairo Read and Other Potential Alternatives

Givairo Read from Feyenoord emerges as a potential gamble, albeit with considerable costs. His characteristics, however, strongly recall a young Denzel Dumfries acquired from the Netherlands years ago. Read would require a period of apprenticeship, a process that could be facilitated by players like Luis Henrique and Diouf, both of whom have performed effectively when called upon. Read, much like Vanderson of Monaco—valued at approximately 30 million euros—also tempts Inter due to his potential for future international player trading. Furthermore, Guela Doué, whom Inter has tracked for some time, is another option, though Strasbourg demands around 40 million euros. Doué might be too defensive for the qualities sought by the Italian champions' coach, which also explains why Brooke Norton-Cuffy, a January target if Dumfries had left earlier, no longer seems to excite Chivu. Rafik Belghali, offered by Verona seeking to monetize, arrives following a relegation with the Venetian club, hardly an ideal introduction after the failed pursuits of Palestra and Khalaili.