Giuseppe Marotta was non-committal when asked about Inter signing a new player after Tajon Buchanan’s four-month injury layoff. However, the Nerazzurri quickly explored a high-profile target, Joao Cancelo, but their interest was brief due to the operation’s high cost, as reported by Gianluca Di Marzio.
The Portuguese fullback returned to Manchester City after a loan spell at Barcelona. He is likely to depart again, with the Blaugrana expected to attempt to bring him back. Cancelo was a regular last season, scoring 4 goals and providing 5 assists in 42 appearances.
Inter inquired about Cancelo, but will move on to other targets since his €10M annual salary is too high for their budget. The 30-year-old previously played for Inter during the 2017/2018 season.
Despite a solid campaign, Inter didn’t buy him from Valencia, and Juventus acquired him for €40M the following summer. After a year in Turin, Manchester City purchased him for €28M plus Danilo. Following three fluctuating seasons in England, Cancelo temporarily moved to Bayern Munich and then Barcelona.
Our Take on Inter and Cancelo
Given Cancelo’s caliber, he would have likely replaced Denzel Dumfries rather than Buchanan, although his versatility would have been beneficial on the other flank as well. Inter might have concerns despite optimistic rumors about Dumfries’ renewal. Their pursuit of Cancelo appears short-lived, but he remains a key player to watch this summer.