Inter Milan Targets Anan Khalaily as Leading Candidate to Replace Denzel Dumfries

Italian sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Anan Khalaily has emerged as Inter Milan's top candidate to replace Denzel Dumfries, who recently transferred to Real Madrid after his contract ended. The 21-year-old Israeli player has attracted Inter's attention for some time, with popular journalist Fabrizio Romano confirming the club's interest in recent days. Khalaily's rise to the top of Inter's list came after their primary target, Italy international Marco Faraoni, chose to join Chelsea instead.

Inter views Khalaily not as a compromise but as a quality alternative. The Union Saint-Gilloise defender fits well tactically with Inter's preferred formation of three central defenders and wing players, a system in which Khalaily excelled at his current club under coach Christian Kibu. Although Napoli was also reportedly interested, financial gaps between the Belgian club and Napoli stalled that potential move.

Union Saint-Gilloise currently values Khalaily at around 20 million euros including bonuses, a figure significantly lower than what Inter had allocated for Faraoni. This financial advantage could allow Inter to allocate funds to strengthen other positions as well. The story was featured as the main headline in Gazzetta dello Sport on Sunday, highlighting the seriousness of Inter's pursuit of the young Israeli talent.