Inter Milan right-back Achraf Hakimi is heading to Paris Saint-Germain, and the reigning Serie A champions will be in the market for a right wing-back. New manager Simone Inzaghi could be eyeing a familiar name as they look at various options to replace the 22-year-old.
La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Lazio News 24), Inter Milan will have a week to see if there will be “an opportunity” to give Inzaghi at least one right wing-back before starting their pre-season preparations, scheduled for 8 July.
The targets Inter Milan could pursue to replace Hakimi are Arsenal‘s Hector Bellerin, Lazio’s Manuel Lazzari, and Chelsea‘s Davide Zappacosta.
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According to the report, Lazzari remains the manager’s favorite, considering the two worked together at Lazio, so there wouldn’t be much of an adjustment period. Inzaghi knows that the 27-year-old is fast and reliable; a perfect pawn to exalt himself at full range in his 3-5-2 formation.
Nonetheless, Bellerin has more international experience. However, there would be an adjustment period since he would be arriving in a new language and a new system of play. The full-back, who grew up in Barcelona, has always played in a four-man back-line, it would take longer to adjust.
Zappacosta is instead an excellent alternative to play on either the left or right flank and would be the most cost-effective solution.