Inter Milan eye right wing options as Palestra costs rise

Palestra remains a strong target, but Atalanta’s valuation pushes Inter Milan to explore alternative paths

Inter Milan continue their search for a right wing-back. With the João Cancelo option fading away, the Nerazzurri are assessing other profiles, already looking ahead to the summer transfer window.

The preferred name remains Marco Palestra, but Atalanta’s asking price is currently considered too high. For this reason, Inter Milan’s management is beginning to look elsewhere.

According to Tuttosport via Fcinter1908:

“There is a common thread linking Ederson, Lookman, and Marco Palestra: Inter Milan’s interest and Atalanta’s €40 million (£34.5m) valuation of their jewels.”

Over the past six months, Inter Milan have repeatedly knocked on Atalanta’s door, only to be met with consistently high demands. 

Negotiating with the Percassi-owned club has proven difficult, prompting Inter Milan to carefully evaluate an alternative route for the summer.

A potential exit could unlock funds and accelerate Inter Milan’s plans

Much will depend on Denzel Dumfries, currently working to speed up his recovery and target a return by early March. 

Should the Dutchman decide to leave, Inter Milan would need a club willing to trigger his €25 million (£21.5m) release clause.

In that context, Dumfries’ recent change of agent is noteworthy, often a signal of incoming market moves.

With that money, Inter Milan would have a solid budget to invest in his replacement. Dumfries himself was signed in 2021 for €15 million (£12.9m) to replace Achraf Hakimi, a figure the club could now reinvest.

Molina at the Top of the list

That budget could be directed toward Nahuel Molina, who sits at the top of Inter Milan’s list of right-sided options for the summer of 2026.

Palestra remains a highly appreciated profile and a genuine market target, but Inter Milan are reluctant to spend such a large sum on a player likely destined for other leagues, possibly the Premier League.

A right wing-back will almost certainly be needed next season, and Molina is viewed very favourably. 

The Argentine will turn 28 on April 6, placing him outside the “under-26” target set by Oaktree, but Inter Milan’s management has already made exceptions, as seen with the arrival of Akanji, who turned 30 and is set to be signed permanently in May.

Molina offers proven international pedigree: World Cup winner with Argentina, a regular starter at Atletico Madrid with over 30 Champions League appearances, and strong Serie A experience from his time at Udinese (64 matches and 9 goals between 2020 and 2022).

With a contract running until 2027, Molina would not command an excessive fee, especially if a separation between Atletico Madrid and Diego Simeone occurs at the end of the season.

Evaluations are ongoing, and “El Galgo”, the greyhound, could soon be sprinting toward Milan.