Inter Milan's Final Window Moves: Addressing Two Major Concerns, Premier League Target Linked Due to One Key Promise

As Inter Milan officially announced the signing of Benjamin Pavard, fans on social media both in Italy and abroad were quick to praise the club’s transfer activity this summer. Operating under a self-sustaining model with no additional financial injections, Inter has undergone significant squad changes while focusing on rejuvenating the team. Early in the transfer window, CEO Beppe Marotta laid out two key promises for the summer: to assemble a squad of at least 23 players, comprising three goalkeepers and 20 outfield players, ensuring every position had two competent competitors. Now, as the transfer window draws to a close, questions remain about whether the team’s overall strength has improved or declined compared to last season. Opinions vary widely, depending on the criteria used to assess the squad.

Some fans have high expectations and are quick to criticize new signings if they don’t deliver goals immediately. Others take a more pragmatic approach, arguing that if the new arrivals are more effective than last season’s underperformers like Roberto Gagliardini and Raoul Bellanova, then the team has indeed strengthened. From a coaching perspective, the depth of the bench has certainly increased, which can only be seen as a positive development. Regardless of the differing opinions, Marotta and sporting director Piero Ausilio have already achieved their primary goal—a notable accomplishment in a summer where financial constraints and unforeseen challenges could have easily derailed their plans.

Navigating a Challenging Summer with Limited Resources

This summer has been anything but straightforward for Inter’s management. Without substantial financial resources and amidst constant upheavals, it would have been easy for a less experienced team to lose their way. However, Marotta and Ausilio have navigated these challenges with aplomb, sticking to their commitments and making strategic moves that have largely been well-received by the Inter faithful.

One of Marotta’s promises was clear: if a transfer opportunity presents itself, the club would make every effort to seize it. This commitment has driven much of Inter’s activity in the final days of the transfer window, with whispers of one more potential deal before the window shuts. Transfer market experts like Gianluca Di Marzio and Alfredo Pedullà have hinted that Inter could make one last acquisition based on this promise—that if an opportunity arises, they will explore it.

A Possible Last-Minute Deal?

According to Sky Sport Italia journalist Gianluca Di Stefano, Ausilio was spotted having dinner with agent Giacomo Crnjar, who represents several Sassuolo players, around 10 PM local time yesterday. Crnjar has acted as an intermediary in numerous deals, including last summer’s €12 million move of Agustín Álvarez to Sassuolo and Marcelo Brozović’s transfer to Saudi Arabia. This time, Crnjar was reportedly discussing potential player movements with Inter.

This isn’t the first time Inter has been approached with transfer offers late in the window. Rumors have circulated that Inter might be interested in two young talents from Red Bull Salzburg, driven by similar agent-led pitches. However, such deals would be challenging, as Inter currently lacks the cash to take such risks. Nevertheless, if a deal can be struck that requires minimal financial outlay, it would certainly qualify as the type of “opportunity” Marotta referred to.

Interest in Premier League’s Tanguy Ndombele

One of the players recently linked with Inter is Premier League midfielder Tanguy Ndombele, who has been recommended to the club. Genoa has shown interest in signing the Tottenham Hotspur player, but Ndombele is reportedly more interested in joining a Champions League club. Initially, Inter dismissed the possibility of signing Ndombele, but according to Di Marzio and Pedullà, the club has since reconsidered and is now evaluating the player as a potential addition.

Di Marzio explained that after returning to Tottenham following his loan spell at Napoli, Ndombele rejected Genoa’s offer and is waiting to see if Inter will make a move for him. Last season, Ndombele played predominantly as a wide central midfielder for Napoli, making 39 appearances across Serie A and the Champions League (11 starts and 28 substitute appearances, totaling 1,162 minutes). He scored two goals, provided one assist, and recorded 27 tackles, 12 interceptions, and 18 key passes across both competitions. While his play can be rough at times—he lost possession 26 times in Serie A due to poor control in 793 minutes—his one-on-one success rate of 70% suggests he could be a useful rotational option for Inter.

Sassuolo’s Maxime Lopez Also Linked

In addition to Ndombele, Di Marzio noted that given Ausilio’s meeting with an agent closely connected to Sassuolo, a deal involving one of their players cannot be ruled out. Maxime Lopez, a player from the “Green Barça,” has been mentioned as a potential target. However, Pedullà reported that Inter’s interest in Lopez is limited because head coach Simone Inzaghi is looking for a more physically imposing midfielder. As a result, Inter’s focus is more likely on Ndombele, with the club considering a loan move before the window closes.

Pedullà and Di Marzio both suggested that if Inter signs a new midfielder, the player making way might not be Stefano Sensi, as previously speculated, but rather Kristjan Asllani, who could be loaned out in search of more consistent playing time.

Strengthening the Midfield: A Strategic Necessity

La Gazzetta dello Sport emphasized that Inter’s pursuit of a late-window midfield signing is driven by two key considerations. Firstly, the club is looking to bolster the midfield’s physicality and defensive capabilities, a need that has been widely discussed in recent weeks. Secondly, there is concern about the potential for injuries to key players, or what Italian media often refer to as “i grandi sacerdoti” (the great priests), who could be sidelined during a long, grueling season.

On the attacking front, Marcus Thuram, Marko Arnautović, and Alexis Sánchez all have histories of frequent injuries, while Sensi is similarly injury-prone in midfield. Given the likelihood of multiple competitions and the risk of injuries throughout the season, signing a new midfielder could provide the flexibility to push Henrikh Mkhitaryan further up the pitch if needed—an option Inzaghi already tested in the first round of Serie A. Essentially, securing a new midfielder could act as a contingency plan, offering the squad greater tactical versatility and depth.

Balancing Opportunity with Prudence

In summary, Inter Milan is actively exploring late-window opportunities to address lingering squad concerns, particularly in midfield. However, the club remains committed to its prudent financial approach. Marotta and Ausilio have made it clear that while they are open to seizing opportunities, they will not do so at any cost. The final days of the transfer window will reveal whether Inter can further strengthen their squad without compromising their financial stability—a balancing act that has defined their summer business.