Inter stepping up chase for right wing-back after Joao Cancelo failure | OneFootball

Inter stepping up chase for right wing-back after Joao Cancelo failure | OneFootball

In partnership with

Yahoo sports
Icon: Get Italian Football News

Get Italian Football News

·9 January 2026

Inter stepping up chase for right wing-back after Joao Cancelo failure

Article image:Inter stepping up chase for right wing-back after Joao Cancelo failure

Inter’s search for a right wing-back is reaching a critical stage as the club shifts focus following the failed pursuit of João Cancelo. According to Pasquale Guarro of Calciomercato, the Nerazzurri are now actively trying to secure a new arrival for Cristian Chivu’s flank, as the current options are stretched thin.

Notably, the urgency stems from a combination of injuries and declining reliability. While Luis Henrique has stepped in during Denzel Dumfries’ lengthy absence, the Brazilian has struggled to maintain his intensity; Chivu himself recently admitted that the wing-back looked tired after a string of consecutive starts. Furthermore, at 36 years old, Matteo Darmian is no longer viewed as a dependable option to cover the entire wing over a full 90 minutes.


OneFootball Videos


Indeed, the disappointment of losing out on Cancelo—who chose a return to Barcelona instead—has forced sporting director Piero Ausilio to look at alternative profiles. The club is reportedly seeking an Ivan Perisic-style player with high athletic output to provide Chivu with more tactical flexibility. Among the names being monitored is Fiorentina’s Dodô, as Inter look for a solution that won’t break the bank but can offer immediate quality.

Consequently, with the Scudetto race tightening and Luis Henrique showing signs of physical strain, Inter are expected to accelerate negotiations for a new wing-back in the coming days. The goal is to provide a fresh engine for the right side before the winter window slams shut.

Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN


View publisher imprint