Inter Milan have reportedly drawn up a shortlist of three strikers they could look to sign ahead of next season.
Inter are currently top of Serie A and look likely to become the first side to win consecutive Scudetti since Juventus won their ninth successive title in the 2019/20 season. Simone Inzaghi’s side defeated title rivals Atalanta 2-0 in their last game to move six points clear of them and three points clear of Napoli at the top of the division.
However, it appears that the 20-time Italian champions are already planning for next season. According to Sky Sports, the Nerazzurri have their sights set on a new striker and have identified three potential targets ahead of the summer.
Who have Inter identified?
It is reported that Inter have identified Lorenzo Lucca, Santiago Castro and Nikola Krstović as potential reinforcements for current strikers Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martínez. Inter are reportedly looking at signing a new striker due to the potential departure of Joaquín Correa, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season.
How have the trio fared this season?
Lorenzo Lucca
Starting first with the player reportedly top of Inter‘s list: Lorenzo Lucca. The 24-year-old Italian has enjoyed a good season in front of goal for Udinese and currently sits sixth in the top scorer rankings with 10 goals.
It has been a brilliant season for Lucca as he has hit double digits in Serie A for the first time in his career. He would provide Inter with an aerial threat as half of his goals this season have been in the form of headers, which is perhaps unsurprising considering he is six foot seven.
This could benefit Inzaghi’s side as they currently lead the league for most accurate crosses per 90, with an average of 6.5 per game.
However, Lucca is much more just than an aerial threat and has proven himself to be technically sound and has also been effective in Udinese’s link-up play this season.
Santiago Castro
Santiago Castro has had a breakthrough season with Bologna and has transformed into arguably one of the most exciting players in the division. He has scored eight goals for Vincenzo Italiano’s side this season as they look to qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the second successive season.
The 20-year-old would present Inter with great attacking versatility as he offers more than just goals. Castro has created 26 chances this season and has recorded four assists. At just 20 years old, Castro has a lot of time to develop and should Inter sign him, it would certainly be a very exciting addition.
Nikola Krstović
Finally on the list is Lecce’s Nikola Krstović. It has been a difficult season for Lecce who find themselves 16th in the league, just three points outside the relegation zone. However, the one shining light of their season has been Montenegrin striker Nikola Krstović.
The 24-year-old finds himself with 10 goals in Serie A this season and it is reasonable to suggest that he’ll be in high demand this summer due to his form in a struggling side this season. He is a striker who likes to pepper the opponent’s goal with various shots from all over the pitch.
This season, Krstović has averaged the third highest amount of shots per 90, averaging 4.2 per game, and has had a total of 112 shots throughout the campaign. He has scored 10 goals from an expected goals (xG) of 10.31, proving his ability to finish his chances.