Barcelona have reportedly narrowed in on Milan Skriniar of Inter Milan as a possible alternative for the Chelsea-bound Jules Kounde.
According to Spanish journalist Gerard Romero, as relayed by SPORT, Barcelona have identified Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar as an alternative for primary transfer target Jules Kounde.
Skriniar has established himself as a permanent fixture at the heart of the Inter Milan defence over the past few years, and is one of the most reliable performers in his position across Europe. The 27-year-old was key to the Nerazzurri’s Serie A title triumph in 2020/21 and enjoyed another solid season last time out.
However, Skriniar is being heavily linked with an exit from San Siro this summer. At first, Chelsea had shown a strong interest in the Slovakian international, but they have turned their sights on other targets. Paris Saint-Germain, though, are pushing hard to sign the Inter Milan mainstay this summer. And now Barcelona, too, have entered the picture for Skriniar’s signing.
Barcelona are in the market for another centre-back after the addition of Andreas Christensen on a free transfer. And they had their eyes on Jules Kounde as their main transfer target for the summer. Personal terms were reportedly agreed between the Frenchman and the Catalan club.
However, Chelsea have swooped in and reached an agreement with Sevilla for the transfer of Kounde, leaving Barcelona staring at the possibility of missing out on the 23-year-old French international. It has forced them into preparing for contingencies, with the Blaugrana identifying five different options as alternatives for Kounde.
And one of the five options is Inter Milan’s Skriniar. As iterated earlier, the 27-year-old is one of the best in his position in European football and would add a lot of quality to the defensive department at Barcelona. And with his contract expiring in a year, Inter Milan will be forced into cashing in on him unless he signs a new deal.
However, the interest from PSG could make things complicated for Barcelona, with the Ligue 1 champions pushing for Skriniar’s signing as they risk losing Presnel Kimpembe to Chelsea. Apart from Skriniar, Barcelona are also looking at William Saliba, Josko Gvardiol and Inigo Martinez of Athletic Club as possible alternatives.
