Inter Milan's summer transfer plans are taking shape, and the defensive department appears to be a key focus. Two names are currently at the forefront of the rumor mill: Liverpool's Giovanni Leoni and Udinese's Oumar Solet.

Despite strong links to both, a new report suggests the Serie A champions have a clear preference. Inter's sporting director, Cristian Chivu, and his team reportedly view the unsettled Liverpool youngster as a more suitable long-term investment than the established Udinese center-back.

This interest in Leoni is not new. The 19-year-old Italian was a major target for the Nerazzurri last summer before Liverpool swooped in with a swift €30 million deal to sign him from Parma. Tragically, Leoni's move to Anfield was derailed by a severe knee injury suffered at the start of the season, which has prevented him from making a single competitive appearance for the Reds.

His prolonged absence, however, hasn't cooled Inter's admiration. They see the talented prodigy as a perfect fit for their project, especially when compared to the alternative. While Oumar Solet has enjoyed an outstanding season at Udinese, his profile comes with different considerations. At 26, he represents a more immediate solution but commands a substantial fee—also around €30 million—and carries some off-field legal issues.

For now, it seems Inter's strategy is leaning towards securing a high-potential asset for the future, betting on Leoni's recovery and development to bolster their backline for years to come.