As the summer transfer window approaches its decisive final weeks, Inter Milan finds itself in a familiar yet increasingly tense position: on the hunt for crucial reinforcements. The directive from the top brass to coach Chivu is clear – two specific profiles are needed to complete the squad. What’s less clear, however, is the path to acquiring them, as the club continues to walk the tightrope between ambitious targets and the pragmatic realities of modern football finance.
The Midfield Conundrum: From Dream to `Replicant`
The primary target for Inter’s midfield, a “total” midfielder with exceptional pace and versatility, has long been Manu Koné of AS Roma. He represents the ideal player capable of revolutionizing the central line-up. Inter`s willingness to commit a significant budget, reportedly around €45 million, for Koné underscores their desire. However, Roma`s precarious financial fair play situation has turned what should be a straightforward negotiation into a diplomatic standoff, with communication channels seemingly as clear as a foggy Milan morning.
Given the impasse, Inter`s sporting directors, Beppe Marotta and Piero Ausilio, are diligently exploring alternatives. This pragmatic pivot has led them to eye a younger “replicant” of Koné, a talent with similar characteristics but perhaps a more accessible price tag. Among the names now prominently on their radar is Djaoui Cissé, a 21-year-old sensation from Rennes. Cissé, a pillar of France’s U21 squad and a revelation at the recent European U21 Championship with three goals, has certainly caught the attention of clubs across Europe.
Djaoui Cissé, a rising star from Rennes, is a key midfield target for Inter Milan.
Cissé`s journey from the Parisian banlieue to professional football echoes the trajectory of many emerging talents, marked by a rapid ascent over the past year. Rennes, recognizing his potential, wisely secured his future until 2029. This long-term contract, while a testament to his value, presents a significant hurdle: the French club is reportedly demanding well over €30 million, a figure still considered steep for a player who, while immensely promising, has not yet fully “exploded.” Nevertheless, his profile – embodying modernity, intelligent pressing, verticality, and explosive bursts – perfectly aligns with Inter`s tactical requirements.
Another name mentioned in the midfield exploration is Mahamadou Doumbia, a 2004-born midfielder from Antwerp, also attracting attention from other top clubs. The search is evidently thorough, covering various European leagues to unearth the next midfield dynamo.
Defensive Reinforcements: Legal Hurdles and Familiar Faces
Concurrently, Inter is working to rejuvenate its defensive line, seeking a player to gradually assume the mantle from veterans like Acerbi and De Vrij. The pursuit of Oumar Solet, a 24-year-old French defender from Udinese, has encountered unexpected complications. Udinese`s reluctance to agree to a loan deal, a prerequisite for Inter, is one issue. More significantly, Solet faces ongoing legal challenges related to a sexual assault accusation, casting a shadow over any potential transfer and forcing Inter to consider the implications of such an acquisition carefully.
Renato Veiga, formerly of Juventus, is a defensive option being considered by Inter.
Should Benjamin Pavard, currently being heavily courted by Saudi club Neom and other domestic teams, depart, Inter`s investment capacity in defense could expand. This opens the door for targets with a more substantial price tag. One such player is Renato Veiga, a 2003-born Portuguese defender who recently returned to Chelsea after a loan spell at Juventus. Veiga, who already has a fleeting familiarity with Serie A, could be available for a permanent transfer. The asking price is again projected to be upwards of €30 million, positioning him as a viable, albeit costly, solution for Inter`s defensive needs.
The Broader Strategy: Oaktree`s Influence and The Art of the Possible
The intricate dance of Inter’s transfer market reflects the current financial stewardship under Oaktree Capital Management. While the club has enjoyed significant successes and generated revenue, the ownership’s focus remains firmly on financial prudence and sustainability, often leading to negotiations described by some fans as overly cautious. This is why the club isn`t chasing established superstars at exorbitant prices, but rather focusing on young talents with high upside, hoping to replicate past successes in finding value in burgeoning careers.
The constant buzz of player names, the shifting targets, and the palpable tension among supporters all paint a picture of a club striving to balance ambition with the stark realities of UEFA`s Financial Fair Play regulations. As the clock ticks down, Inter`s management is tasked with turning a “whirlwind of ideas” into tangible, high-impact signings, ensuring the squad is adequately prepared for the challenges ahead, even if it means securing the `next big thing` rather than the `already big thing.`
