Inter Milan Lead Napoli In The Race To Sign Teenage Sampdoria Starlet

Inter Milan are ahead of Napoli in the race to sign teenage Sampdoria defender Giovanni Leoni this summer.

This according to Italian news outlet FCInterNews. The outlet anticipate that striker Francesco Pio Esposito could come into negotiations between the Nerazzurri and the Blucerchiati.

Teenage defender Leoni spent last season on loan at Sampdoria.

The 17-year-old was at the Marassi on loan from Padova.

Despite his young age, Leoni carved out a place for himself at the heart of the Ligurian side’s defense.

Sampdoria had a purchase option to sign Leoni from Padova for €1.5 million. And there was never any question that they would exercise this.

And a sale for a profit is looking very likely this summer.

Inter see Leoni as a target. Reportedly, they want to sign the 17-year-old this summer, and then send him back to Sampdoria on loan for next season.

The Nerazzurri reportedly had scouts watching Leoni during a Serie B match between Sampdoria and Ternana in April.

Inter Lead Napoli In The Race To Sign Giovanni Leoni

Inter are not the only team keen on Leoni though. Juventus and Torino are reportedly also keen from within Serie A.

And then the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Monaco have reportedly shown an interest in bringing the teenage defender to the Premier League and Ligue 1 respectively.

But it looks to be Napoli who are Inter’s main rivals for Leoni’s signature.

According to FCIN, Inter are currently ahead in the race with the Partenopei for the teenage defender.

Inter have already been discussing a number of prospective transfers with Sampdoria this summer.

And the Ligurian club have made clear that they want to sign teenage striker Francesco Pio Esposito on loan this summer.

Therefore, Inter can link the talks for Leoni with Sampdoria’s interest in other players.

Meanwhile, FCIN report, Inter could even plan to have Leoni back on loan at Sampdoria for the 2025-26 season should they win promotion to Serie A next campaign.