Inter Milan's Two Approaches to Final Summer Signings: "August Star" Sensi Unlikely to Stay

As Inter Milan’s summer transfer activity nears its conclusion, the arrivals of Lazar Samardzic and Emil Audero following their medicals mark the completion of the club's midfield and goalkeeper acquisitions. Samardzic’s signing, delayed due to complications involving his agent and family, sparked speculation about potential last-minute financial disputes. However, given the reputation of certain reporters notorious for fueling anxiety with baseless rumors, such claims should be approached cautiously. Samardzic’s decision to remain in Milan during the wait underscored his commitment to joining the Nerazzurri.

Inter now has two remaining targets for this transfer window: a central defender and a forward. According to reports from Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Sports Italia, the club is weighing two distinct approaches to finalize these signings.

Path One: Prioritizing Mehdi Taremi

The first option involves pursuing Porto’s Mehdi Taremi, with Inter reportedly aiming to secure the Iranian striker for approximately €23 million. However, Portuguese outlets indicate that Porto has erected significant barriers to any deal, complicating negotiations. Should Inter manage to acquire Taremi, the budget for a defensive signing would be severely restricted, likely limiting them to a low-cost option.

Path Two: A Veteran Forward and a Premium Defender

The alternative approach sees Inter targeting a lower-cost forward to preserve funds for a high-profile center-back acquisition. Among the forward options, Marko Arnautović of Bologna has emerged as a prime candidate. The Austrian striker is reportedly eager to return to Inter, where he played briefly during the 2009-10 season. However, Bologna’s high asking price—rumored to be in the €10 million range—has complicated the deal. Italian media, including Corriere dello Sport, have criticized Bologna's stance, with some outlets sarcastically suggesting a €20 million valuation for the veteran striker.

On the defensive side, Inter has compiled a shortlist that includes players like Rafael Tolói, Merih Demiral, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Japhet Tanganga, and Lyanco. The club is carefully balancing its €30 million budget for these two final transfers, which has already led them to withdraw from pursuits of higher-cost targets like Folarin Balogun and Álvaro Morata. Morata, in particular, is set to renew with Atlético Madrid, with his salary demands proving prohibitive for Inter.

The Sensi Dilemma: Staying Unlikely

Meanwhile, Stefano Sensi, nicknamed the "August Star" for his stellar preseason performances, remains a polarizing figure within the Inter setup. Sensi has scored three goals in friendly matches, prompting speculation about his future. However, Gazzetta dello Sport has poured cold water on the idea of him staying, describing it as a "small probability."

Sensi’s talent has never been in doubt. When fit and focused, his technical skills make him a player of Inter caliber. Yet, two major "ifs" loom over his career: his fragile physical condition and a psychological fragility stemming from his fear of injuries. Coaches have reportedly struggled with the necessity of reserving a substitution spot for him in every game, regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench.

His injury history has made preseason friendlies—where physical intensity is lower—a misleading showcase of his abilities. Competitive matches, with their more rigorous demands, often expose his vulnerabilities. Additionally, Sensi’s past stints at Inter and Monza reveal a recurring pattern: starting strong, succumbing to injuries, and subsequently growing frustrated at losing his starting role. His inability to accept a backup position without displaying visible dissatisfaction has raised concerns about his fit within the squad’s dynamics.

Inter's coaching staff has reportedly made it clear that the preseason performances alone are not enough to displace the established midfield trio, which delivered success last season with two trophies and a Champions League final appearance. Furthermore, the arrivals of Davide Frattesi and Samardzic, coupled with Kristjan Asllani’s solid preseason, leave little room for Sensi in the rotation.

Should Sensi show a willingness to adapt to a backup role, the club might reconsider. However, his history of impatience and the management risks he presents make his departure the likeliest scenario. Several clubs, both domestic and overseas, have expressed interest in the Italian midfielder, and his decision is expected in the coming days.

Esposito’s Next Move

Another Inter player on the brink of an exit is Sebastiano Esposito. The young forward, born in 2002, has attracted interest from Sampdoria and Hellas Verona, with Samp reportedly agreeing on terms with Inter. Now, the decision lies with Esposito himself as he evaluates his options for the upcoming season.

The Final Stretch

As the start of the new season looms, Inter is accelerating both incoming and outgoing transfers. While the summer has already brought notable additions, the club’s struggles to finalize its last two deals highlight the challenges of operating within tight financial constraints. With each move scrutinized and every euro carefully allocated, the Nerazzurri’s transfer window remains a delicate balancing act.