Inter Milan has cooled on a summer move for Udinese defender Oumar Solet, with a gap in asking price and concerns about his physical condition slowing talks, according to Yahoo Sports.
Inter had been linked with the 26-year-old Frenchman for much of the summer window. The club lost three senior defenders on June 30 when the contracts of Francesco Acerbi, Stefan De Vrij, and Matteo Darmian all expired. Goalkeeper Yann Sommer, 37, was also released at the end of his deal. That left Inter with a clear need at the back.
Sporting director Piero Ausilio confirmed the club's intention to add defenders but was measured about Solet specifically. Speaking at an event in Rimini, Ausilio said: "Solet, like many other players, can be an opportunity, but he is not the only one. Besides, I am by no means certain he can be the right one for us, let's just calmly see what the transfer market brings, but we are in no rush and can begin pre-season with the squad we have."
He added: "We do intend to sign two new defenders, though."
The sticking point on Solet is money. Inter had been prepared to offer around 20 million euros. Udinese have been holding out for 30 million euros, which the club considers excessive for a player who will be available on a free transfer in under a year when his contract runs out. Reports from Il Messaggero also indicate that Inter have doubts about Solet's physical condition, with concerns about a possible chronic issue in his knee cartilage that could limit his playing time.
Solet is not the only defender on Inter's radar. Both Inter and Como are also said to be interested in Chelsea and England center-back Trevoh Chalobah, who is reportedly valued at 40 million euros. Como has also emerged as a potential suitor for Solet himself.
