Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Inter Milan could be open to the prospect of selling Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Chelsea target Milan Skriniar.
The Nerazzurri's CEO Giuseppe Marotta recently claimed that Inter could be 'forced to sell' a centre-back this summer. The Italian giants are in a dire financial situation and could therefore be forced to part ways with some of their prized assets this summer.
The Blues are eager to sign a top-quality defender to replace Antonio Rudiger, who will leave the club after the expiration of his contract on June 30 and join Real Madrid.
As per Simon Phillips (via Chelsea News), the Blues are interested in signing Milan Skriniar. The Slovakian defender helped Inter Milan win their first Scudetto in 11 years during the 2020-21 campaign. He was again crucial as Inter finished runners-up in Serie A last season, making 48 appearances across competitions for the club.
His tenacity, physicality, and leadership qualities make him the ideal replacement for Rudiger at Stamford Bridge. Giuseppe Marotta believes it is 'certainly easier to replace a centre-back than a striker'. This has opened the door to a potential move away from the San Siro for Skriniar. In his tweet, Romano quoted Marotta as saying:
"Inter CEO Marotta on Milan Skriniar with chances to leave the club: "It's certainly easier to replace a centre back than a striker, probably we will be forced to sell someone in that position," tells Radio Rai. Paris Saint-Germain want Skriniar, race still open."
PSG are also rumored to be interested in signing the 27-year-old. The French giants were knocked out of last season's Champions League in the Round of 16 stage by Real Madrid, largely due to their defensive frailties. The Parisians conceded three late goals in the second leg after taking a two-goal lead in the tie on aggregate. They will therefore be keen to sign a world-class defender.
Chelsea could switch focus to Alessandro Bastoni if they fail to beat PSG in race to sign Milan Skriniar.
According to Sky Sport Italia (via Sempreinter), PSG have had a second bid worth €65 million for Milan Skriniar rejected by Inter Milan. The Italian giants are reportedly seeking a fee in the region of €80 million for the Slovakian defender.
PSG are one of the few clubs in the world that can afford Inter's valuation of the 27-year-old and could therefore return with an improved offer. Their financial might could put them ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign Skriniar.
This could result in the Blues switching focus to Skriniar's Inter teammate Alessandro Bastoni. As per the Standard, the Nerazzurri are willing to sell the 23-year-old this summer. Chelsea could, however, face stiff competition from Tottenham Hotspur for the defender.