Inter Milan line up Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta as Skriniar replacement | OneFootball

Inter Milan have identified Chelsea star Cesar Azpilicueta as their top defensive target in the summer transfer window, reports Sky Sports Italia.

The Nerazzurri are in the market for a new centre-back following the departure of Milan Skriniar to Paris Saint-Germain.

Azpilicueta has been a loyal servant to the Blues for over a decade, making more than 500 appearances for the club.

The Spaniard was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona last summer but ended up signing a new deal at Stamford Bridge.

With the summer overhaul already underway at Chelsea, the 33-year-old could leave this summer.

The Spanish defender’s current deal expires in 2024, but he could terminate it prematurely to make himself available.

The Nerazzurri have valued the experienced players the most in recent years – as highlighted by the transfers of Edin Dzeko, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Hakan Calhnoglu and Francesco Acerbi.

In addition to the vast experience, Azpilicueta brings plenty of flexibility to the table as he can play as a centre-back, right-back and wing-back.

Inter have made Acerbi’s loan deal permanent from Lazio, while his centre-back partners Alessandro Bastoni and Stefan de Vrij have agreed to sign new deals.

The Italian giants are also working on the potential transfer of Yann Bisseck from Danish club AGF.

They are keen to strike a deal with Chelsea for the permanent transfer of Romelu Lukaku and the signing of Sassuolo midfielder Davide Frattesi.

Frattesi has been identified as the replacement for Al Nassr-linked Marcelo Brozovic, and a verbal agreement has been reached with the Italian international.