There is a number and then there are words. The number is 69, like the matches that Inter can play next season. And Steven Zhang hopes so, because it would mean reaching the end of all possible competitions. The words are those of Lautaro, just two days ago, regarding the next goal: “Now the Champions League is missing”. The captain doesn’t just speak for himself. It is the voice of Inter, it is already the address to which sweat, effort and motivation can be delivered for next season. However, these three ingredients are not enough. They help, of course. But Inter needs to equip itself to remain competitive in Serie A and at the same time try to repeat last season’s European run.
THE SITUATION
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The (other) words are those of Simone Inzaghi, who on Saturday in Reggio Emilia spoke of the need for “a longer squad” and more specifically of the objective of “expanding the attacker pool”. Having said that, for reasons of the UEFA list, imagining a fifth striker who is not a young player from the Primavera team or in any case a player who grew up in the youth team is objectively complicated, the coach’s reference was more than anything else to the need to bring the value of some alternatives to the titular theorists. In fact, it has already happened in midfield, with Zielinski who will technically take Klaassen’s place, guaranteeing an upgrade at least with the bowls stopped. And the same can be said in attack, where Taremi will effectively replace Sanchez, whose contribution – with rare exceptions – has been insufficient. The question, which Inzaghi and the managers will discuss in the transfer summit which will take place no earlier than next week, is whether the attack thus packaged can be enough to attack Europe. And, not being able to think about the fifth striker, considering Thuram and Lautaro untouchable – net of offers that can never be excluded in the market, it must be said -, it is clear that the discussion will revolve around the figure of Arnautovic. The Austrian disappointed, this is beyond doubt, beyond his positive role within the locker room. But it is only by selling him that Inter can think of signing another striker. And it’s not a simple deal at all: given his age and salary, Arnautovic doesn’t have an infinite market.
ATTEMPT
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It is too early to have clear ideas on the type of session it will be and therefore on the opportunities that will actually arise. But to date Inter have no budget to plan a super coup. Zirkzee is loved like crazy, but it’s an unapproachable operation unless a big player starts. The Gudmundsson chapter is different, at least in theory. If a cash offer of at least 30 million euros arrives for the Icelandic, Inter will have no margin to compete. But the club’s hope is to be able to build a two-phase operation with Genoa, therefore a loan with redemption after 12 months exactly as happened a year ago with Frattesi, also taking advantage of the player’s desire to continue in Serie A. The Icelandic would certainly represent an upgrade for the offensive department. Both because it would allow Inzaghi to have two real pairs: Taremi-Gudmundsson behind ThuLa. Both because he has characteristics of a dribbler that no one has in the Nerazzurri squad today. Of course, it’s not just Gudmundsson on the market. But Inter have put him in their sights and will try until the end. There is no real alternative track at the moment. Ilenikhena is liked but the competition is numerous. However, Inter is also attentive to the market for redundancies from top teams, especially those in the Premier League: interesting opportunities could come from there during the summer.
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RISK
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Inter are certainly in no hurry. He can afford to wait. And it can also afford to understand what will happen with its exit market. Resources can come from Carboni, Dumfries and Satriano, currently on loan at Brest in France, to finance the purchases. But we are heading towards a very different summer from last. There is no need for a revolution today. There is a need, yes, to go up another step. Thuram and Lautaro have practically never stopped this season: hoping that they can repeat themselves in 2024-25 is legitimate, being sure that they succeed is another story. And Inter doesn’t want to take this risk.
