Talks For Spezia Star Hint At Inter Milan Transfer Strategy In Defense | OneFootball

Inter Milan’s talks to try and sign Spezia defender Nicolo Bertola are revealing of the Nerazzurri’s transfer strategy in defense.

This is the view of Italian outlet FCInterNews. They note that the Nerazzurri appear ready to focus on young prospect, but will be opportunistic about it.

Reportedly, Inter are in talks with Spezia about the possibility of signing Bertola.

The 21-year-old defender has been an outstanding performer for the Ligurians this season.

And Bertola’s contract with Spezia only runs until the end of next June as things stand.

Therefore, Inter sense the opportunity to sign Bertola on a free transfer. Then, they could reportedly loan him back to Spezia or to a different team in order to gain experience.

Nicolo Bertola Talks A Sign Of Inter Milan Strategy In Defense

Inter had already been in a protracted round of negotiations for another young defender during the summer.

The Nerazzurri had chased teenage defender Giovanni Leoni. There were weeks of negotiations with Sampdoria.

However, in the end it was Parma who instead decided to move for Leoni.

Inter did not want to spend too much to sign the 17-year-old.

The Nerazzurri wound up signing Argentine defender Tomas Palacios instead.

But failing to sign Leoni hardly means Inter have given up on the idea of signing a young defender.

However, the Nerazzurri’s attitude towards Bertola is clear. They won’t go all out to sign the 21-year-old, but if he’s available for nothing then they would see that as too good an opportunity to pass up.

In the meantime, Inter’s real priority in defense is a long-term replacement for 32-year-old Stefan de Vrij and 36-year-old Francesco Acerbi.

For that role, Inter want a young defender. But not so young that they are untested.

And for that position, the Nerazzurri would be more willing to make the investment necessary to bring the right target in.