Inter Pushes for Leoni: Esposito Could Be the Key in Deal with Parma

• Giovanni Leoni remains Inter’s top target for the defense.
• A €30M offer is on the table, Parma wants €40M.
• Sebastiano Esposito could be included to lower the price.
• Koni De Winter and David Hancko are also on the radar.

Plans for the attack won’t affect Inter’s strategy in defense. In other words, the pursuit of Ademola Lookman does not exclude Giovanni Leoni. The 18-year-old Parma center-back remains Inter’s first choice for reinforcing the backline.

Leoni-Inter, Chivu’s Protégé

Inter had already shown interest in Leoni last summer during his stint at Sampdoria, and that interest hasn’t faded. The young defender checks all the boxes, he’s a long-term investment the club’s ownership supports, and a player coach Cristian Chivu trusts deeply. Chivu coached Leoni during his time at Parma and made him a regular starter as the team secured safety last season before the Romanian took the reins at Inter.

Inter is willing to offer around €30 million, while Parma continues to demand €40 million. However, Inter remains confident, particularly because they could sweeten the deal with Sebastiano Esposito. Talks between the two clubs on Wednesday explored the option of including Esposito, Pio’s older brother, in the deal.

Inter’s Backup Options: De Winter and Hancko

While the negotiations with Parma continue, Inter is keeping its options open. One alternative is Koni De Winter, a 23-year-old Belgian defender from Genoa. De Winter is already familiar with Serie A, and Inter’s Sporting Director Piero Ausilio has been following him for some time. During negotiations for Valentin Carboni, the two clubs also discussed De Winter, and a deal worth €25-30 million is considered feasible.

Another name in the mix is David Hancko of Feyenoord. Unlike Leoni and De Winter, Hancko is 27 years old and brings European competition experience. His price tag also falls in the €25-30 million range, the same amount Inter is prepared to allocate for a defensive reinforcement, funded by player exits in other positions.

Should a big offer arrive for Yann Bisseck, Inter would have even more flexibility, but that’s a story for another time. For now, all eyes are on Leoni, and how Sebastiano Esposito might help bring him to Milan.