Real Madrid have reportedly decided to revisit their transfer interest in Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar as Carlo Ancelotti eyes reinforcements.
According to a report from Spanish publication Defensa Central, Real Madrid are ready to rekindle their pursuit of Inter Milan mainstay Milan Skriniar next summer as Carlo Ancelotti seeks to bolster his defensive ranks.
Since arriving at Inter Milan in 2017 from fellow Serie A outfit Sampdoria, Skriniar has gradually grown into one of the best centre-backs on display in the Italian top-flight. The 26-year-old was an ever-present in the side as the Nerazzurri ended a decade-long wait for the Scudetto last season and has started the new season in fine form as well.
Indeed, Skriniar has looked solid in each of Inter Milan’s fixtures under new manager Simone Inzaghi. The Slovakian international was, in particular, highly impressive in the Serie A title holders’ UEFA Champions League fixture against Real Madrid earlier this week as he managed to hold off the opposition until a late strike from Rodrygo gave Los Blancos a narrow 1-0 win.
Skriniar’s performance on the night has seemingly made a major impression on Real Madrid’s staff, with the club now lining up a move for the Inter Milan star for the summer of 2022, having had their eyes on him in the previous transfer window as well.
Real Madrid lost two of their best defenders this past summer, with Sergio Ramos sealing a Bosman move to Paris Saint-Germain while Raphael Varane signed for Manchester United. This left a gaping hole in the defensive department at the Santiago Bernabeu, but the Merengues decided to bring in just one new defensive signing in the form of David Alaba.
It is claimed that the manager is ready to throw his weight behind the Eder Militao – Alaba partnership for the rest of the season. But he is keen on adding another centre-half for the next campaign, considering that Nacho Fernandez is not entirely a long-term option while Jesus Vallejo is yet to make a convincing impression.
The likes of Jules Kounde and Pau Torres have constantly been linked with a move to Madrid in recent months, but someone like Skriniar provides more experience and leadership at the back. Furthermore, with his contract expiring in 2023, Real Madrid could be in a good position to snare him away on a bargain, provided he does not pen an extension between now and the summer.
Considering that Los Blancos are planning a sensational double swoop for Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe next year, they would have to be more frugal in their spending in other positions. So, it will certainly be interesting to see who they decide to bring in to strengthen their backline for the next season.
