Ranking Inter Milan Right-Back Targets Ahead of the Summer Window | OneFootball

Inter Milan and Denzel Dumfries will part ways at the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the Dutchman prepares to join Real Madrid. According to multiple sources, it’s already a done deal, with Los Merengues set to announce the transfer immediately after the tournament.

Signed from PSV Eindhoven in 2021, Dumfries has grown to become one of the world’s best right-backs. A core member of Inter’s title-winning squads in 2023/24 and 2025/26, he has nailed down a starting berth at Giuseppe Meazza as his own over the past few years.

However, the time has come for the 30-year-old to move on, with record-time European champions Real Madrid set to trigger his €25 million release clause. Dumfries’ imminent departure comes as a major blow for Inter, and finding a suitable replacement has quickly become one of the club’s highest priorities.

Beppe Marotta has already compiled the list of candidates to fill the vacancy, and it’s time to break it down.

#3 Michael Kayode (Brentford)

Less than two years after leaving Fiorentina for Brentford, Michael Kayode could be on his way back to Serie A. Inter have identified the 21-year-old as one of their targets and are reportedly ready to make contact with the Bees over the youngster’s return to his homeland.

Kayode enjoyed a phenomenal 2025/26 season at the Gtech Community Stadium, establishing himself as a regular starter under Keith Andrews. He made 37 Premier League appearances, registering a goal and an assist.

His dynamic style and impressive physique have already made him one of Europe’s most sought-after full-backs. Manchester City and Manchester United are both keen on signing Kayode, whose market value has surged in the past 12 months.

As it stands, Brentford won’t let their gem leave for less than £60 million, a figure well beyond Inter’s reach. On that basis, Kayode’s move to Meazza doesn’t seem plausible, so let’s give it a measly 2/10.

#2 Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus)

Once considered a cornerstone of a new generation at the Allianz Stadium, Andrea Cambiaso suffered a sudden fall from grace last term. In addition to losing his starting place in Turin, the Italian star is now close to leaving Juventus as Luciano Spalletti prepares to overhaul his underachieving squad.

Despite speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona, the former Genoa defender could continue his career in Serie A. The reigning champions have sounded out a potential deal, only to be quoted a hefty €30 million asking price. Indeed, they’ve already deemed Juventus’ demands excessive.

However, Cambiaso’s arrival is not a dead end by any means. With Juventus setting their sights on Davide Frattesi, Inter could use their outcast as a bargaining chip to lower the overall cost of the deal. As for the player, there’s little doubt he would pass on the opportunity to force through a move should the chance arise.

Negotiations remain complicated, though. As such, the deal currently stands at a 5/10, with talks ongoing but no clear breakthrough in sight.

#1 Marco Palestra (Atalanta)

Atalanta prodigy Marco Palestra spent last season on loan at Cagliari, taking Serie A by storm. Regarded as one of the brightest Italian talents, he helped the Islanders avoid relegation, becoming one of the key cogs in Fabio Pisacane’s system. Despite his youth, the 21-year-old tallied 37 league appearances, racking up a goal and four assists.

Palestra’s rise to stardom at the Unipol Domus has not gone unnoticed, as he made his senior debut for Italy in the World Cup qualifying playoffs in March. Furthermore, numerous top clubs have been keeping close tabs on his development, with Inter jumping to the head of the queue.

Though he has just returned to Bergamo, Palestra could leave again, albeit permanently this time around. However, aware of his world-class potential, Atalanta have slapped a prohibitive €50 million price tag on their jewel and are reluctant to budge on their valuation.

La Dea’s demands threaten to blow Inter out of the water, but with Dumfries set to leave, Marotta may need to break the bank to replace his long-serving stalwart. Still, Antonio Percassi is among the toughest negotiators in Serie A, so Inter’s hopes of securing a discount appear slim at best. Let’s rate this a 6/10.