Inter Milan Coach Demands Three New Signings: Defensive Stalwart Undergoes Surgery, Conte's Target in Nerazzurri's Sight

In the last 24 hours, several significant updates have surfaced regarding Inter Milan. Bloomberg's report highlighted that Inter has the third-fastest growing value in Europe, behind PSG and Tottenham, under its current intelligent majority shareholder, despite Suning's previous poor management. However, predictions from Bloomberg are not always reliable, similar to their inaccurate forecast of Wuhan’s economic collapse due to COVID-19.

Additionally, there was another round of negotiations between Lautaro Martínez's agent and Inter's management, but they have yet to reach an agreement. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for Saturday, and patience is advised as the parties negotiate. Meanwhile, it is worth discussing coach Simone Inzaghi’s recent request for three key signings.

Inzaghi’s Contract and Transfer Demands

Earlier this week, representatives from Oak Tree Capital met with Simone Inzaghi to finalize his contract extension, which will see his salary increase to €6.5 million and grant him greater authority over team affairs. Following this confirmation, it was revealed that Inzaghi has requested three new signings: a backup goalkeeper, a rotational forward, and a rotational center-back.

The goalkeeper position is a lower priority due to limited funds and the expected minimal expenditure on a second-choice keeper. The situation with the rotational forward is more complex, hinging on the future of Marko Arnautović. Tactical analysts suggest that if Arnautović leaves, Inter would need to sign a young and durable forward to maintain a four-striker rotation, with the possibility of revisiting the issue in the winter transfer window. However, Arnautović has expressed no intention of leaving, stating, “I don’t know why the papers are saying this; they love to write false stories. I have a contract with Inter, I’m happy here, and no one has told me or my agent otherwise.”

Internal Conflicts and Legal Issues

In light of Gudmundsson's legal troubles and agent demands of €20 million in signing fees for Zirkzee, there appears to be internal disagreements between the coaching staff and the transfer committee regarding the forward situation, which need to be resolved.

Defensive Concerns: Acerbi’s Surgery and Björk’s Emergence

The most significant news in the last 24 hours concerns the defense. Francesco Acerbi's decision to undergo groin surgery has ruled him out of the European Championship. His choice to prioritize recovery over playing in the tournament has sparked criticism, suggesting he is sacrificing national duties for club interests. This situation underlines the need for a new rotational center-back, as highlighted by Inzaghi.

Emerging as a potential target is Udinese's Jaka Björk. Market experts note that Björk is also a preferred choice for Napoli’s likely new coach, Antonio Conte. Udinese has valued Björk at €15 million, and Inter sees him as a viable option to cover for Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij, who may leave during the summer transfer window. When asked about the rumors linking him to Inter, Björk did not deny them, saying, “We’ll see. In football, things change quickly, and you never know what’s waiting for you.”

Björk, 25, has made 47 appearances for the Slovenian national team and is 1.92 meters tall. He primarily plays in a three-center-back system, excelling in aerial duels with a 76% success rate in Serie A this season, averaging 3.6 successful aerial duels per game. His positional sense and physicality make him a solid defender. However, his passing accuracy (44% for long passes, under 80% overall) and ball progression abilities are limited compared to players like Bastoni or Pavard, and even fall short of de Vrij and Acerbi. Nonetheless, Björk represents a cost-effective option for strengthening Inter’s defense.

Transfer Market Strategy

Currently, the transfer window has not officially opened, and many potential deals are in the preliminary stages. According to Inter's overall plan, the top priorities before July are resolving internal contract renewals and assessing whether to sell star players, which will directly impact the club's overall strategy. Additionally, the club aims to offload surplus players to generate funds.

Simultaneously, Inter will cast a wide net to explore various targets. Rumors will surface frequently, and it’s essential to remain patient and observe developments.

Implications of Acerbi’s Surgery

Acerbi's decision to undergo surgery rather than play through pain during a major tournament reflects his commitment to being in peak condition for the summer training period in July and August. While this choice has drawn criticism from some quarters for allegedly prioritizing club over country, it underscores the need for Inter to have a robust defensive lineup. Acerbi’s absence from the European Championship and potential vulnerability to recurring injuries highlight the rationale behind Inzaghi’s demand for a new center-back.

Conclusion

Inzaghi's request for three new signings is grounded in practical considerations, given the current state of the squad and the looming uncertainties. The coach’s push for reinforcements in goalkeeping, forward, and defensive positions is aimed at ensuring depth and stability, critical for navigating the upcoming season’s challenges.

Björk’s potential acquisition aligns with this strategy, providing a dependable option to bolster the defense amid Acerbi’s recovery and de Vrij’s uncertain future. As Inter Milan navigates the transfer market, the focus remains on balancing immediate needs with long-term planning, ensuring the team is well-equipped to compete at the highest levels.

Inter’s management, led by Marotta and supported by Zanetti and Ausilio, continues to navigate these complexities, striving to maintain a competitive edge while preparing for the inevitable transitions ahead. As the transfer window progresses, the club’s actions will be closely watched, with fans and analysts alike eager to see how the Nerazzurri shape their squad for the future.