Inter Milan have reportedly accelerated their pursuit of Parma’s emerging centre-back, Giovanni Leoni, amid intense competition from fellow Italian giants Juventus and AC Milan.
📊 A Triangular Transfer Tug-of-War
- Juventus has long targeted the 18‑year‑old Italian, impressed by his solid debut season and composed performance against the Bianconeri back in April.
- AC Milan has recently moved into consideration, further complicating the negotiations .
- Now, Inter Milan have swooped in as serious challengers, reportedly intent on overtaking Juventus by making a fast, decisive move .
🚀 Why Leoni is Such a Hot Prospect
Giovanni Leoni has steadily risen through the ranks:
- Broke into Parma’s first team in November 2024.
- Became a defensive cornerstone during a vital relegation fight, impressing with his composure, tactical discipline, and consistent ball clearances .
- His standout game against Juventus in April — featuring key interventions — reportedly cemented his reputation as one of Italy’s brightest young defensive prospects.
💶 Rising Price Tag & Parma’s Ambitions
Parma signed Leoni for approximately €5 million (€3 million in add-ons) last summer. Now, with his stock rising, the club is demanding around €15 million, a figure that could escalate further if multiple bids arrive .
⏩ Inter’s Push to Close the Deal
With Cristian Chivu potentially moving into Inter’s coaching staff — and having previously managed Leoni at Parma — Inter see an opportunity to fast-track negotiations and gain a strategic advantage . Their intent is clear: strike early and outmaneuver rivals before the market heats up.
🔮 What Happens Next?
- Inter Milan continue to build on their Champions League and Serie A ambitions — this defender would bolster their backline for both competitions.
- Juventus and AC Milan are still in the frame, ready to respond with competitive offers.
- Parma, meanwhile, stands to profit from its investment and could spark a bidding war if the top clubs push forward.
Inter’s decision to speed up negotiations shows they’re serious about landing a future first-team regular — a sign that Serie A’s transfer battles this summer are entering a new level of intensity.