Provedel Emerges as Vice-Martinez Candidate
Inter Milan have identified Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel as their primary target to serve as backup to first-choice Yann Sommer, with the Nerazzurri preparing to enter negotiations with their Serie A rivals. According to sources in Italy, Lazio president Claudio Lotito has set an asking price of five million euros for the 30-year-old shot-stopper, who has been a reliable presence between the posts for the Biancocelesti.
The potential move represents a significant shift in the Inter goalkeeping hierarchy, as the club seeks to add experienced depth behind Sommer. Provedel has established himself as one of the more consistent goalkeepers in Serie A since joining Lazio, and his availability has attracted interest from several clubs. Inter see him as the ideal candidate to compete for the starting role while providing reliable cover when called upon.
The Mandas Connection
The Provedel situation is intricately linked with the future of Greek goalkeeper Christos Mandas, who was previously sold by Lazio to Bournemouth. Mandas departure from the Italian capital created a ripple effect in the goalkeeping market, and Provedel potential exit to Inter would necessitate Lazio finding a suitable replacement. The domino effect has made the summer goalkeeping market particularly active in Serie A, with several clubs reassessing their options between the posts.
For Provedel, the move to Inter would represent a step up in terms of club stature and the opportunity to compete for silverware. The Nerazzurri have been one of the most successful Italian clubs in recent years, consistently challenging for the Scudetto and making deep runs in European competitions. The 30-year-old would be joining a squad with established leadership and a clear tactical identity under Simone Inzaghi, factors that could appeal to a goalkeeper of his experience.
Negotiations Expected This Week
Inter are expected to formalize their interest with an official offer in the coming days, as the club moves quickly to secure their goalkeeping department ahead of pre-season training. Lazio, while reluctant to lose a key player to a direct rival, may be persuaded by the five-million-euro valuation, particularly if they have already identified potential replacements. The negotiation dynamic between the two clubs is well-established, with both having conducted business across numerous transfer windows.
Lotito reputation as a tough negotiator is well-known in Italian football, and Inter will need to navigate the discussions carefully to avoid a protracted saga. However, the five-million-euro asking price is considered reasonable for a goalkeeper of Provedel caliber, and both parties are expected to find common ground. If completed, the transfer would strengthen Inter squad depth significantly while providing Provedel with a platform to compete at the highest level of Italian and European football.
