Inter Formally Notifies Porto of Taremi Free Transfer, Sets €25 Million Price Tag on Carboni, Rejects Three Offers

Following their victory over Fiorentina, Inter Milan granted the squad a two-day break to recover from the exertions of the Supercoppa Italiana and the accompanying long-distance travel. However, the club's transfer department remains active, particularly in strengthening the forward line. Two significant developments have emerged in this regard.

Inter Pursues Free Transfer of Taremi

Firstly, La Gazzetta dello Sport has confirmed that Inter has sent an official written notice to Porto regarding the free transfer of Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi. Inter's interest in signing Taremi on a free transfer has been widely known. Last week, one of Taremi's agents, Federico Pastorello, visited Inter's headquarters and confirmed that negotiations were progressing well, with the club and the player already agreeing on personal terms. Now, Inter has formalized the process by notifying Porto officially, reinforcing the deal's legitimacy.

The media reports state, "Porto has received Inter's official notification and is aware that Inter will sign Taremi on a free transfer, pending a medical and final contract signing." Typically, there is no obligation for such formal notification since negotiating a Bosman transfer when a player is in the last six months of their contract is not against the rules. However, Inter deemed it courteous to formally inform Porto. Taremi, currently with the Iranian national team at the AFC Asian Cup, is expected to travel to Milan for a medical and complete the signing after the tournament.

Inter Rejects Three Offers for Carboni, Sets High Price Tag

Secondly, renowned journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has confirmed that Inter has turned down three offers for their young Argentine talent, Valentin Carboni, during this winter transfer window. The 19-year-old, currently on loan at Monza, has made 15 appearances in Serie A (5 starts and 10 substitutions), scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists. Carboni’s technical skills and talent have not only impressed at Monza but also garnered attention from the Argentine national team, with coaches like Lionel Scaloni and Walter Samuel, and even Lionel Messi, taking note of his potential.

Due to his promising performances, Carboni has attracted significant interest in the transfer market. Di Marzio confirmed that three clubs have made offers for the young forward: West Ham United with a bid of €15 million, Brentford with an offer that could rise to €18 million with bonuses, and Fiorentina, whose total offer, including future clauses, could reach €20 million. Despite the enticing offers, Inter has rejected all three bids, leading to some controversy.

The decision has sparked debate among fans and experts. While many on social media have criticized the decision, some knowledgeable football pundits have expressed concerns over Inter's refusal to sell at a seemingly high price. These experts argue that selling Carboni for €20 million could be a rational decision, considering the challenges Inter faces in nurturing young talents into highly valuable players.

Debating the Future of Carboni

The experts highlight three major uncertainties surrounding Carboni's future. Firstly, he is not a guaranteed starter at Monza, and it's uncertain whether he will secure a starting position in the second half of the season, which could slow down his development. Secondly, if Inter recalls Carboni next season, his playing time with the first team might be limited, potentially hindering his growth. Conversely, finding a club willing to fully develop him on loan could be challenging. The third and most crucial concern is the increased risk of injuries for a young, ball-playing forward like Carboni in the current Serie A, where referees are becoming more lenient with fouls.

Given these factors, some experts suggest that Inter should consider selling Carboni if the offer reaches €20 million. Developing him into a higher-valued player might be more challenging than it seems. However, Di Marzio and other insiders like Fabrizio Biasin have reported that while Inter does not consider Carboni an untouchable asset, they believe a €20 million offer is insufficient. Inter's executives, known for their shrewdness, have set a minimum price of €25 million for the young talent.

The Striker Market and Inter's Strategy

Inter's high valuation of Carboni is influenced by the current market dynamics, particularly the difficulty of finding quality forwards. CEO Giuseppe Marotta has often mentioned over the past year that good defenders are relatively easier to acquire compared to top strikers. Inter's recent signings of defenders like Benjamin Pavard and Yann Bisseck have come at a reasonable cost and exceeded expectations. However, their pursuit of strikers has been fraught with challenges. The club has struggled with the impacts of Romelu Lukaku's inconsistent performances and has spent substantial amounts on controversial figures like Joaquín Correa and Marko Arnautović.

Inter has explored numerous striker options, only to find that their prices often exceed expectations, sometimes significantly. This market reality likely contributes to Inter's high valuation of Carboni, viewing him as a valuable forward prospect. Regardless, Inter needs to address its deficiencies in developing young talent. Improving their youth development would not only enhance their squad but also provide more confidence in selling young talents at higher prices when necessary.

In the context of their financial difficulties, Inter must persist in improving their youth development strategy despite the challenges. This approach is crucial for the club's long-term stability and competitiveness. As they continue to refine their strategy, Inter remains committed to making prudent decisions in the transfer market, balancing immediate needs with future potential.

By setting a high price tag on Carboni and actively pursuing valuable free transfers like Taremi, Inter aims to strengthen their squad while navigating the complex dynamics of the transfer market. The decisions made during this period will have lasting impacts on the club's future, both on and off the pitch.