Real Madrid have reportedly settled on Inter Milan star Milan Skriniar as their preferred option to bolster the backline in the summer transfer window.
According to Fichajes, Real Madrid have identified Milan Skriniar as a key target for the upcoming transfer window as they look to strengthen their defensive options.
Skriniar has been with Inter Milan since 2017, when he joined from fellow Serie A outfit Sampdoria. The 27-year-old has gradually grown into one of the best defenders on display in the Italian top-flight. He played a key role in the Nerazzurri’s Scudetto success last season and has again been a key contributor this term as they look to defend their crown.
Skriniar, to date, has made 197 appearances for Inter, 30 of which have come in the 2021/22 campaign. However, his future at San Siro has been cast into uncertainty as his contract stands to run out in 2023. It means that the Slovakian international will enter the final year of his deal with Inter this summer, making him a target for several clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid.
The Spanish capital giants are in the market for a new central defender. As things stand, Carlo Ancelotti has four senior centre-backs at his disposal in Eder Militao, David Alaba, Nacho Fernandez and Jesus Vallejo. However, among the four, Nacho is at best a backup option, whereas Vallejo has failed to win over the manager and could be sold in the summer.
It would leave Real Madrid short on quality options at the heart of the backline, which could hinder their ambitions of wanting to compete and win the biggest trophies. Hence, it would only be logical for the Merengues to bring in a new top-class defender in the summer.
Antonio Rudiger had been linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu for the longest time. However, his wage demands have deterred Real Madrid, who have ended their interest in the German international. Leicester City’s Wesley Fofana is being eyed as an alternative, but his recent injury troubles are a cause for concern for Los Blancos.
Skriniar, as a result, has now emerged as one of the preferred options for Real Madrid heading into the summer transfer window. The 27-year-old has proven himself at the highest level for years and is still in his theoretical peak years. With his contract running out in less than 18 months, he would be available in a cut-price deal in the summer.
However, Inter will not give up without a fight as they are working towards tying him down to a new contract. So, it will be interesting to see if Real Madrid’s pursuit of Skriniar leads to anything fruitful in the summer.
