Inter Milan's Sixth Midfielder Dilemma Unveils a Bigger Challenge: The Truth Behind Their Defensive Reinforcements

As Inter Milan announced the signing of Austrian forward Marko Arnautović, they simultaneously abandoned the long-anticipated transfer of Lazar Samardžić. This sudden turn of events has sparked two key questions:

1. Will Inter Milan still pursue a sixth midfielder?
2. Will the funds originally allocated for Samardžić’s acquisition be redirected toward another signing, perhaps a defender?

Transfer insiders like Sky Sport's Matteo Barzaghi, Gianluca Di Marzio, Alfredo Pedullà, and Matteo Moretto suggest that Inter will likely prioritize signing a central defender. While Samardžić's transfer cancellation frees up budgetary space for such a move, the club's real challenge lies in liquidity—how much cash they can actually spend this summer.

The Budget Conundrum: More Space, Less Cash

Inter’s financial strategy this summer has been to minimize upfront cash outflows, even if it means increasing the overall costs of their deals in the long run. For example, Yann Sommer's buyout fee from Bayern Munich was structured to be paid over two years, while Emil Audero’s purchase was spread across three years. This approach was not about negotiation tactics alone—it was a necessity born out of Inter’s tight cash flow situation.

The club must carefully manage its financial liquidity to avoid running into operational cash flow problems during the season. Maintaining enough working capital is essential to ensure the smooth day-to-day functioning of the club, such as paying salaries and covering other operational expenses.

The now-defunct Samardžić deal was structured as a loan with an obligation to buy, with Fabian’s exit serving as a financial offset. While its cancellation frees up future budget space for a defender, it does little to alleviate Inter's immediate cash flow issues.

Defensive Options and Their Financial Implications

Inter's pursuit of a center-back now hinges on how much liquid cash they can muster. Several names have been linked with the Nerazzurri, but most come with significant financial constraints:

• Japhet Tanganga (Tottenham Hotspur): The most feasible option, as he could arrive on an initial loan with an option to buy. This structure aligns with Inter's financial strategy.
• Giorgio Scalvini (Atalanta): A highly promising talent, but Atalanta demands a significant fee upfront, making him an unlikely candidate unless Inter can secure immediate funds.
• Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea): Similar to Scalvini, Chelsea's valuation poses a challenge for Inter's limited cash resources.
• Lyanco (Southampton): While he represents a more affordable solution, any deal would still require immediate cash, which remains a barrier.

Despite these obstacles, transfer experts widely agree that Inter will secure a defender before the transfer window closes. The choice may range from a stopgap veteran to a younger, riskier talent, but a signing appears inevitable. Much like their forward search, which ultimately resulted in Arnautović's arrival, Inter seems determined to find a solution, even if it's not their first-choice target.

Sixth Midfielder: Sensi or a Market Opportunity?

While Inter's defensive situation remains fluid, the question of a sixth midfielder is equally complex. Initially, the plan was to bring in Lazar Samardžić to fill this role, but with that deal now off the table, the club is considering two options:

1. Retaining Stefano Sensi: The 28-year-old Italian midfielder has impressed during preseason, and calls to keep him as the sixth midfielder have grown louder. However, Sensi’s history of injuries makes this a risky proposition.
2. Exploring Market Opportunities: Inter remains open to low-cost alternatives, with agents visiting the club’s headquarters in search of potential fits.

In the coming days, Sensi's agent, Giuseppe Riso, is expected to meet with Inter for the fourth time this summer to discuss his client’s future. Previous meetings focused on deals for Carboni, Pirola, and Frattesi, but this time, Sensi's contract situation will take center stage.

Contract Year Complications

Sensi’s contract expires in June 2024, and this presents a dilemma for Inter. If they opt to extend his deal, they risk being tied to a player whose injury issues could resurface. Conversely, if they delay the decision and Sensi performs well, the cost of a contract renewal may escalate.

Inter is well aware of the pitfalls of mishandling expiring contracts. In recent seasons, Roberto Gagliardini and Matías Vecino both left on free transfers, having publicly voiced their frustrations over limited playing time during their final months at the club. While such dissatisfaction can be understandable, it becomes a significant risk during periods of poor team performance, potentially undermining squad morale and cohesion.

This history weighs heavily on Inter’s decision-making process regarding Sensi. The club must carefully balance the short-term benefits of retaining an in-form player against the long-term risks of committing to another injury-prone midfielder.

The Contract Dilemma: Seven Expiring Deals

Inter currently has seven players whose contracts will expire in 2024:

• Eddie Salcedo and Valentino Lazaro are unlikely to receive extensions and are expected to be sold before the transfer window closes.
• Matteo Darmian is expected to renew, given his consistent performances and the club’s trust in him.
• Filip Stanković has likely already agreed to an extension before his loan move, with an official announcement pending.
• Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Juan Cuadrado fall into a different category. Their future at Inter will depend on their performances this season. Cuadrado, in particular, signed a 1+1 contract, with the option for a second year contingent on his contributions.

Sensi’s situation, however, is the most unpredictable. His impressive preseason displays have reignited hope that he can be a valuable asset, but his injury history looms large.

The Road Ahead

Inter's management, led by CEO Giuseppe Marotta and sporting director Piero Ausilio, will need to evaluate all options carefully. Whether it’s finalizing a deal for a central defender, resolving the sixth midfielder dilemma, or managing expiring contracts, every decision will be crucial in ensuring the club remains competitive on the pitch while navigating its financial challenges.

In the coming days, the situation will become clearer as meetings with agents and potential targets continue. Until then, Inter's transfer market activity remains a balancing act between ambition and financial reality.