Inter have devised a strategy for the summer transfer window as president Steven Zhang secured a €250million loan from American funds Bain Capital or Oaktree Capital Management. As claimed by Gazzetta dello Sport, the Nerazzurri chairman has obtained the necessary funds to finance Antonio Conte’s transfer ideas when the market window reopens for business.
With the impending cash injection, Conte looks to revamp his options in each department.
Veteran wing-backs Aleksandar Kolarov and Ashley Young should be on the move in the summer as Inter show no intention of renewing their contracts whatsoever. The Italians have named Roma’s Alessandro Florenzi and Ajax’s Nicolas Tagliafico as prime objectives to rejuvenate the flanks.
Conte is also keen on adding another center-back to increase the numbers at the back after reverting Inter’s formation to a three-man back line. However, he is reluctant to splash out cash on a new defender and is scouring the market for potential value signings.
Napoli’s Nikola Maksimovic and Bayern Munich’s Jerome Boateng have emerged as potential targets as both will become free agents in the summer.
Moving to the midfield, Nahitan Nandez of Cagliari has drawn Conte’s attention. The Uruguay international could come on a bargain deal if the Sardinians fail to preserve the Serie A status this season.
Nandez is only a backup plan for Inter’s dream target, Rodrigo De Paul. Desperate to keep their captain past the summer, Udinese have pinned a €40M price tag on the Argentine’s head.
But with the highly-rated playmaker approaching his peak years, the prospect of winning titles and playing in the Champions League could be too tempting to resist if the opportunity presents itself.
As for the outgoings, experienced Chilean Arturo Vidal could make room for his South American counterpart, with Inter hopeful of getting rid of the 33-year-old’s whopping wages.
Despite Christian Eriksen’s topsy-turvy season, the Italians believe the former Tottenham star is a gamble worth taking and will keep hold of him. The same goes for Nicolò Barella, who has been nothing short of outstanding this term.
Conte has not abandoned the idea of luring Edin Dzeko away from Roma. After failing to materialize the move in January, the former Chelsea boss considers launching a new attempt in the summer. Another potential attacking target is Olivier Giroud, who has no future at Chelsea following Thomas Tuchel’s arrival.
Given their age and contractual situations, both strikers should be available for reasonable fees in the summer.
Yet, Inter may need to raise funds through sales, with Stefan De Vrij potentially spearheading the exits. The Dutchman will command a sizeable €40M price tag, which would help the Nerazzurri pursue other goals.
For the moment, there is a veil of mystery surrounding the future of Lautaro Martinez. The 23-year-old has a hefty €109M release clause embedded in his contract and is targeted by Barcelona and several Premier League sides.