Denzel Dumfries is ‘easily replaceable’ at Inter Milan amid reports linking the World Cup star with big-money moves to Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, former San Siro chief Ernesto Paolillo tells Tuttomercatoweb.
There was understandable hand wringing in the summer of 2021 when a cash-strapped Inter lost Achraf Hakimi to Paris Saint-Germain. How on earth would the Nerazzuri replace arguably the finest right-back on the planet?
Well, without much difficulty, as it turned out.
Inter Milan brought in Dumfries for a bargain £12 million after a superb European Championships with the Netherlands. And while he might lack Hakimi’s finesse, Dumfries has certainly emulated the jet-heeled Moroccan; establishing himself as one of the game’s finest right-backs in blue-and-black stripes.
As such, Paolillo is backing Inter to strike gold again if Dumfries follows Hakimi out the door in the New Year.
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur like Inter Milan and Netherlands ace Denzel Dumfries
“In theory, he’s one of the most easily replaceable,” says Paolillo, who worked as a general manager at the San Siro a decade ago.
“We have lost Hakimi, who we are seeing at the World Cup (with semi-finalist Morocco). We have lost (Ivan) Perisic.”
Paolillo does admit, however, that selling your star players year-in-year-out is not exactly ‘the best strategy’ for a team aiming for the most shiny of silverware. Even if Inter’s precarious financial situation could make Dumfries departure ‘inevitable’.
“We risk losing Dumfries. If a team wants to compete again for important victories such as the Scudetto and the Champions League, selling the best players is not the best strategy,” he adds.
“Even if I understand that it is inevitable.”
According to CMW, Arsenal are keen on the former PSV Eindhoven captain. Dumfries produced five goals and seven assists for Inter Milan in the 2021/22 season. He was also the driving force behind the Netherlands’ 3-1 World Cup last-16 victory over the USA.
Dumfries would give Mikel Arteta a more natural alternative on the right-hand side too. The versatile Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are currently Arsenal’s go-to options in the flank.
Tottenham are also interested (90Min) in the now-£55 million-rated Dutchman. Dumfries would be a substantial upgrade on Emerson Royal, and perfectly suited to Antonio Conte’s wing-back system.
Tottenahm are also eyeing Lyon wonderkid Malo Gusto. Former Manchester City youngster Pedro Porro is another option.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
