Inter Milan Targets Wingbacks Amid Juventus Links and La Liga Starlet

The recent praise from La Gazzetta dello Sport for Inter Milan’s renewal of key players like Lautaro Martínez and Nicolò Barella marks the completion of the club’s primary summer objective: securing their core. With these contracts in place, Inter Milan is now shifting focus to the next phase of their strategy, which involves offloading surplus players to free up space and funds while simultaneously scouting for new signings to bolster their squad for the upcoming season.

Klaassen's Departure

One of the significant developments in the past 24 hours is the departure of Dutch midfielder Davy Klaassen. The 31-year-old joined Inter Milan last year on a 1+1 contract, but the club decided not to activate the additional year option by the May 30 deadline. Klaassen’s exit was anticipated, much like that of Alexis Sánchez. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Klaassen’s next destination could be a return to the Eredivisie, a move to Saudi Arabia, or a stay in Serie A, where 2-3 mid-table clubs have shown interest. While his impact at Inter Milan was limited, his attitude and professionalism earned him the goodwill of fans, who have taken to social media to wish him well.

Interest in Giovanni Di Lorenzo

In terms of new signings, the name generating buzz recently is Giovanni Di Lorenzo. Many Inter Milan fans, especially those of Italian descent, are hopeful that the Italy international will join the Nerazzurri, further strengthening the club's contingent of national team players. However, journalist Marco Biasin points out that acquiring Di Lorenzo from Napoli is fraught with difficulties.

Di Lorenzo’s fallout with Napoli seems irreparable, and even the arrival of a new coach like Antonio Conte might not persuade him to stay. Biasin draws parallels with past situations involving Gonzalo Higuaín and Piotr Zieliński, suggesting that while Di Lorenzo is likely to leave Napoli this summer, club president Aurelio De Laurentiis tends to sell players abroad rather than to direct competitors in Serie A. When he does consider selling to a rival, he often demands a high fee. Biasin also notes that Di Lorenzo has already had discussions with Juventus’ sporting director Federico Cherubini, putting the Bianconeri ahead of Inter Milan in the race for his signature.

Financial and Strategic Constraints

Inter Milan's board, including Oak Tree Capital and key figures like Marotta and Simone Inzaghi, has emphasized the need to maintain the team’s competitiveness while pushing for a younger squad. This strategic guideline does not entirely rule out the possibility of signing a 31-year-old like Di Lorenzo, but it does imply that Inter Milan will not pay an exorbitant fee for him. If De Laurentiis insists on a high price under the pretext of not strengthening a direct competitor, the likelihood of Di Lorenzo joining Inter Milan diminishes. In Serie A, Juventus appears to be the only club capable of making such an investment under these circumstances.

Exploring Alternatives: Arnau Martínez

While Italian media focus on the Di Lorenzo deal, Spanish outlets such as Marca and Relevo have reported that Inter Milan is also in contact with Girona’s young wingback Arnau Martínez. The 21-year-old, born in April 2003, is a versatile player who has appeared 26 times across La Liga and the Copa del Rey this season, contributing three assists. Martínez can play as a central defender, right-back, and right midfielder. Standing at 1.82 meters, he is known for his impressive physical attributes, including remarkable strength, explosiveness, and agility.

Martínez’s career stats (102 appearances in La Liga and Segunda División, with five goals and 14 assists) and scouting reports highlight three key strengths. First, his endurance and ability to cover ground make him a top-tier runner. Second, his technical skills, such as ball control and passing accuracy, are solid. Although he lacks the ability to single-handedly break through defenses, he maintains a balanced game with consistent ball recovery (3.7-4.2 times per 90 minutes). Lastly, his passing precision stands out, whether in creating chances or delivering accurate crosses.

However, Martínez has two notable weaknesses. His aggressive defensive style often leads to yellow cards (one every three games), indicating a need for refinement. Additionally, his experience is primarily in four-back systems, with limited exposure to the 3-5-2 wingback role, making him somewhat of a work-in-progress prospect.

Inter Milan’s Strategy

Spanish media suggest that Inter Milan is exploring a loan-to-buy deal for Martínez, with an initial payment of €5 million. This cautious approach allows the club to evaluate his fit and potential before committing to a permanent transfer. Italian sources, on the other hand, emphasize that it was the player’s agent who initiated contact with Inter Milan, prompting sporting director Piero Ausilio to get involved. Martínez is among several targets being considered as part of Inter Milan’s broader strategy of casting a wide net during this scouting phase.

Balancing the Squad

Inter Milan’s approach to the summer transfer window is characterized by a dual focus: clearing out the squad to create financial and roster flexibility while simultaneously laying the groundwork for new acquisitions. This method ensures that the club can address immediate needs and long-term goals without compromising its competitive edge.

Conclusion

As Inter Milan navigates the complexities of the transfer market, fans can expect a dynamic period filled with potential comings and goings. The pursuit of established players like Di Lorenzo and emerging talents like Martínez reflects the club's commitment to balancing experience with youth. While financial constraints and strategic considerations will shape these efforts, the goal remains clear: to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level in both domestic and European competitions.