Barcelona and Real Madrid are among a number of clubs that are taking a keen interest in Inter Milan centre-back Milan Skriniar.
According to Italian publication Calciomercato, Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar is on the radar of a number of top European clubs. The likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester City are among a few names that seem to be taking a keen interest in snapping up the centre-back.
Milan Skriniar’s arrival at Inter Milan was met with a lot of skepticism, with many touting that the player’s addition would bring a whole lot of value to the squad already present at San Siro. But, only half a season into his career at Inter Milan, the player has earned plaudits left, right and centre, with Skriniar being one of the first names on the team sheet, whenever fit and available for selection.
21 appearances in Serie A with 3 goals to his name has seen him attract interest from several top clubs, with Barcelona and Real Madrid both looking at the Slovakian. The two La Liga giants are looking to add to their options in central defence and have shortlisted Skriniar as a potential target.
At Barcelona, Yerry Mina’s arrival has neutralised the departure of Javier Mascherano. But, Valverde still has just 3 options available at his disposal that can do a job at present while also being a medium-to-long term option – Samuel Umtiti, Yerry Mina and Gerrard Pique.
Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester City have recently ‘opened a direct channel’ with Inter about defender Milan Skriniar (22). Inter consider a sale impossible right now, but feel there could be an auction for the player soon. [Gazzetta dello Sport] pic.twitter.com/CRIDsHpPMX
— City Watch (@City_Watch) January 28, 2018
The Catalans are looking at Matthijs de Ligt as a viable option. But, with Bayern Munich’s entry into the race for the Dutchman, the pursuit could become complicated, which makes Skriniar, who is only 22 right now, another option.
At Real Madrid, the problem is even worse, with Los Blancos floundering in defence in the 2017-18 season, which has seen them drift a mammoth 19 points behind Barcelona. Zinedine Zidane has the likes of Nacho, Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane and Jesus Vallejo at his disposal.
But, Jesus Vallejo has not managed to impress as much, with the manager still seeking to add a centre-back to his squad after Pepe’s departure in the summer. Leonardo Bonucci was touted as an option but the player joined AC Milan in a shock move in the summer.
Skriniar has already proven his pedigree to perform at the highest level and with the player still just 22, he could be an option for the next decade or so. Inter Milan do not want to part with their player according to the report. However, it does add that the Nerazzurri could be open to a transfer in case it pockets them an absurd amount of money.
Their demand makes sense, with Skriniar arriving only in the summer and having a contract up until 2022 at Inter Milan. Who knows, if Barcelona, Manchester City or Real Madrid do make up their mind and launch an assault on Skriniar, Inter Milan might just get their wish.
