Inter Milan makes statement with Skriniar deal worth reported €33M

Inter Milan isn't content with letting its archrival dominate the transfer market.

While AC Milan extravagantly spends the wealth acquired from its takeover by Chinese investors, Inter dipped into the pockets of its own Asian owners on Friday to splurge a reported €20 million on centre-back Milan Skriniar.

As part of the agreement, forward Gianluca Caprari moved to Sampdoria last week. The Guardian's Marcus Christenson prices Caprari at approximately €13 million, and puts the total cost of the deal at around the €33-million mark.

Skriniar signed a five-year contract with the Nerazzurri.

The Slovakian international is the first marquee signing made by Inter this summer following under-the-radar buys of ex-Torino goalkeeper Daniele Padelli, and youngsters Nicolo Zaniolo and Jens Odgaard. The 22-year-old Skriniar had a standout first full season in Serie A after his move from MSK Zilina in January 2016, making 35 appearances. He was regularly partnered by veteran Matias Silvestre at the back.

Skriniar also recently represented Slovakia at the European Under-21 Championship and was selected in UEFA's Team of the Tournament.

(Photo courtesy: @inter_en)

Inter limped to a disappointing seventh place in Serie A last season, with Miranda sometimes lacking decent support from Gary Medel in the middle of the defence. Backup was thinned out recently, too, with the completion of the permanent sale of Juan Jesus to Roma coming after a year-long loan spell.