Inter Milan transfer round up: Possible signings but Calhanoglu to leave?

Inter Milan made a fine start to the brand-new season, winning 2-0 against Monza in their opening game.

Simone Inzaghi’s side were disappointing in the Serie A and failed to challenge Napoli for the Scudetto last season. But they ended up reaching the final of the Champions League where they lost to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

It was clearly evident that cash-strapped Inter will undergo a major change this summer. The big question was – whether they would be able to retain their best players? Fans are still optimistic for the season ahead as Inter Milan tickets are in high demand but supporters are desperate for the club to strengthen the squad so they can be competitive on all fronts.

Inter are arguably one of the busiest clubs in Europe in the transfer market, and it feels like they are not done yet in completing their business.

Departures 

Last season, it became clear that defender Milam Skriniar will move to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer after he agreed pre-contract. The 28-year-old centre-back has been a great servant for the club, and losing him for free must come as a blow.

Edin Dzeko, 37, also enjoyed his time at San Siro. He too was allowed to join Fenerbahce. Dzeko is fast approaching the twilight of his career. He has enjoyed successful spells in England and Italy, and the decision to let him go makes sense.

Likewise, central midfielder Roberto Gagliardini joined Monza on a free transfer.

Several Premier League and other European heavyweights were keen to sign Andre Onana. The highly-rated Cameroon goalkeeper was signed from Ajax, but once Manchester United came up with a big offer, Inter found it hard to refuse.

Onana is arguably one of the best goalkeepers in world football at the moment, and he was terrific in the Champions League for Inter. Considering Inter’s financial scenario, the club were left with very little choice here. Moreover, Onana also found it tempting to play under Erik ten Hag once again.

Inter also sold centre-forward Andrea Pinamonti who joined Sassuolo. Another important player to leave the club was Marcelo Brozovic. The 30-year-old central midfielder joined Saudi Pro-league club Al-Nassr.

Left-winger Robin Gosens also left the club to join Union Berlin in Bundesliga. Inter also sold a raft of young players who failed to live up to the expectations at the club. Young centre-back Lorenzo Pirola (21), central midfielder Giovanni Fabbian (20), attacking midfielder Darian Males (22) and centre-back Andi Hoti (20).

In total, 16 players have been shipped out by the club. Romelu Lukaku, who joined from Chelsea on loan, has returned to his parent club. Inter tried their best to get him on board, but they could reach an agreement with the Blues.

Arrivals 

The first major task for Inter was to replace Onana, and it was never going to be easy. They have been linked with a host of quality players around Europe, but eventually, they signed Yann Sommer from Bayern Munich.

The 34-year-old is a vastly experienced keeper but he always played second fiddle to Manuel Neuer. This is his best chance to start regularly and show his potential. The fact that Inter got him for a measly fee gives an indication that it could be a cracking business if it works out well.

Inter also signed Emil Audero, the goalkeeper from Sampdoria who plays in the Serie B, as a backup option.

The midfield areas have been bolstered by the signings of Kristjan Asllani – who joined from Emplo – and Davide Frattesi. The later joined from Sassuolo on loan for the rest of the season.

Veteran centre-back Francesco Acerbi joined from Lazio young defender Yann Aurel Bisseck moved from Aarhus.

Inter have been very smart in signing two quality players on free transfers. Juan Cuadrado has joined from Juventus on a free transfer. Cuadrado has reinvented himself since leaving Chelsea. He previously enjoyed his time at Fiorentina and enjoyed his best football for Juventus.

At 35, it may appear that he has lost his shine, but he still has got loads to offer. He can play as a right winger or a right wing-back. He may have lost a yard of pace, but his experience and understanding of the game could come in handy.

Marcus Thuram, 25, has joined from Borrusia Monchengladbach. The Frenchman is a highly-rated striker, and he could transform the side completely. Inter also signed Marko Arnautovic, the former West Ham player on loan from Bologna.

The 34-year-old is an enigmatic player but he is capable of producing quality performances. If we compare Inter’s signing with that of their rivals, it may appear that they have signed a host of players who can make a difference.

Inter have managed to keep hold of Lautaro Martinez, and they have a strong squad that can challenge for the title this time around, provided the new players settle down properly.

Latest transfer updates 

Inter have been heavily linked with a move for Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard this summer.

The Nerrazzurri previously showed interest in signing the French full-back but talks had previously stalled with both clubs failing to agree to a fee. According to widespread reports, they have now returned with an improved offer in excess of €30 million plus add-ons in the hope that they can get the signature done this month.

The player’s camp has informed Inter that Bayern will only allow the 27-year-old defender to leave if they find a replacement. Pavard has been linked with a move to Manchester United as well.

However, with Harry Maguire deciding against joining West Ham as he feels he still has got a big role to play at Old Trafford, United’s chances of signing Pavard are slim. In that case, Inter may have an upper hand in the race.

Meanwhile, Torino are keen to sign forward Joaquin Correa on loan for this season. It has been reported in the Italian media that Torino want to sign the 29-year-old Argentine international on a season-long loan with the option of signing him permanently.

Correa was absent in Inter’s opening game of the season, and there are suggestions that Inter are ready to part ways with the 29-year-old. He is not a major part of their plans for the 2023-24 season, and a move away from the club looks more likely.

There have been rumors that midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu could move to the Saudi Pro League, but he has zero interest in leaving San Siro. The 29-year-old Turkish international only extended his contract this summer.

Saudi outfit Al-Hilal have identified the Inter midfielder as a possible alternative to signing Marco Verratti from Paris Saint-Germain, but it seems Calhanoglu has no interest in leaving the Italian soil at the moment.