Inter Milan Enters Chiesa Transfer Talks: Coach Seeks Alternatives Amid Striker Crisis, Mkhitaryan's Potential Role Shift

Italian media have highlighted Piotr Zielinski’s rapid integration into Inter Milan's system with the headline "Zielinski’s Rapid Integration." Following an intensive summer training camp, Inter’s new number 7 is fitting seamlessly into Simone Inzaghi’s plans. In the last two friendlies, Inzaghi has given Zielinski a consistent playing time of just over 60 minutes. This provides a basis for comparison: against Las Palmas, Zielinski had only 26 touches and, despite a 95% pass completion rate, his passes were mostly safe, relying on set pieces for attacking plays. However, against Pisa, Zielinski’s touches increased to 52, with two key passes, one creating a golden scoring opportunity. He also showed improved defensive play, physical duels, and positioning.

In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Zielinski expressed his adaptation process: "I have talked a lot with Inzaghi and the coaching staff. Unlike before, I need to work differently off the ball, and I am learning gradually. Honestly, I have never experienced such a tough summer training camp, but it’s a good thing. Every day I am getting better and understanding the team more, which is healthy! Inter Milan boasts one of the best midfields in Europe, and now with me here, it's even stronger (laughs)."

As Zielinski gradually integrates into Inter, Inzaghi has new plans in mind, considering a potential shift for Henrikh Mkhitaryan to the forward line. In recent friendlies, Inter experimented with a 3-5-1-1 formation, where the role behind the striker, initially filled by Davide Frattesi, could see Mkhitaryan stepping in. Initially thought to be a temporary solution due to the late return of Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram, Mehdi Taremi’s injury, and Marko Arnautovic and Joaquin Correa’s unreliability, continued trials suggest it’s a deliberate strategy.

Inzaghi is in constant communication with the transfer committee, aware of the difficulties in securing a forward. With Zielinski capable of replacing Mkhitaryan in midfield, moving the Armenian forward is feasible. Given the long season and the potential shortage of forwards, this presents a viable solution. In past seasons, Mkhitaryan was considered for a forward role but remained a midfield mainstay. The current situation allows Mkhitaryan to revert to his previous role, as seen in his time at Shakhtar Donetsk, Borussia Dortmund, and Manchester United, where he played as a second striker in a two-forward system. A notable example was the 2017 UEFA Super Cup, where Mkhitaryan started alongside Romelu Lukaku.

However, a potential issue lies in Mkhitaryan’s poor shooting performance last season. Among Serie A players who scored at least two goals, Mkhitaryan had a conversion rate of 5.13%, the second lowest among 179 players, with teammate Nicolo Barella being the lowest. Returning to a forward role, Mkhitaryan needs to regain his sharpness and finishing ability from his earlier career.

Additionally, Inter Milan has entered the transfer race for Federico Chiesa, according to transfer market expert Matteo Moretto and several Turin-based media outlets. Chiesa was excluded from Juventus’ preseason squad, and new coach Thiago Motta stated, "He is not in our plans, and we hope he finds a solution in the transfer market soon." Juventus has priced Chiesa at €20 million. However, Torino fans believe if Inter, a "non-friendly team," is the buyer, the price should be higher.

Several clubs, including Roma, Napoli, and Premier League teams, are monitoring Chiesa. Experts suggest Chiesa prefers to wait until his contract expires for a free transfer, which could secure a lucrative deal. He also wants to play in the Champions League, making moves to Roma or Napoli less appealing. This gives Inter a chance to step in. Known as the "king of free transfers," Inter’s CEO Giuseppe Marotta is planning to offer a lucrative contract to persuade Chiesa to join as a free agent next summer. Chiesa’s agent, Fali Ramadani, has a good relationship with Inter, facilitating communication.

The challenge lies in Juventus’ determination to sell Chiesa this summer to avoid a free transfer. If Chiesa opts to wait until his contract expires, his year at Juventus might be difficult. Mediaset TV suggests another possibility: if Inter can successfully offload Martin Satriano, Correa, and Arnautovic, and recover some funds, they might bid for Chiesa this summer. However, considering the unreliable sources and numerous challenging conditions, this remains speculative.

Tactical Adjustments and Transfer Dynamics

Inter’s preseason developments indicate significant tactical adjustments by Inzaghi to address the striker crisis. Zielinski’s integration allows for flexibility, potentially moving Mkhitaryan forward. This shift could help mitigate the shortage of forwards, leveraging Mkhitaryan’s experience in attacking roles. However, his poor shooting accuracy from last season remains a concern, necessitating a revival of his past form to be effective.

Simultaneously, Inter’s involvement in Chiesa’s transfer saga reflects strategic planning for long-term squad enhancement. Chiesa’s exclusion from Juventus’ plans and his preference for a free transfer align with Inter’s opportunity to secure a top talent for the future. Marotta’s expertise in free transfers and the strong relationship with Chiesa’s agent could facilitate this move, although Juventus’ desire to sell now adds complexity.

Inter’s ability to manage these tactical and transfer dynamics will be crucial in navigating the upcoming season. The potential shifts within the squad, coupled with strategic acquisitions, underscore the club’s efforts to maintain competitiveness domestically and in European competitions. Fans and analysts will closely monitor these developments, anticipating how Inzaghi’s tactical innovations and Marotta’s transfer maneuvers will shape Inter’s campaign.