Inter to Secure €8 Million Sale, Marseille Exit Exposes Striker Dilemma: Is an €85 Million Sale the Answer?

Inter Milan recently defeated Marseille 3-0 in the Europa League, securing a place in the final. This victory brings hope that Serie A could secure six Champions League spots next season, a welcome development for Italian football. Inter Milan, deeply rooted in Serie A, stands to benefit significantly from this potential increase. However, every benefit comes with its drawbacks. Marseille's elimination has dashed the last hope for Joaquin Correa, the Argentine forward known for his "top-tier poster production," "world-class cigar pose," "superb barbecue skills," and "magical prowess rivaling the Great Sorcerer Sen," to be bought out. Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Correa’s €10 million buyout clause will not be activated, meaning he will return to Inter after the season ends. Disappointed Marseille fans on social media see this as the "only consolation on an otherwise terrible night."

Correa's return undoubtedly complicates Inter's attacking options. Recently, Italian media conducted a poll: "How should Inter’s forward line be configured next season alongside Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram, and Mehdi Taremi?" The most popular response was to pair these three with another renowned striker, like Gudmundsson, ensuring a robust four-striker rotation suitable for competing on multiple fronts. However, acquiring a top striker isn’t cheap, raising questions about where Inter will find the funds.

The second most favored option was to add a promising, low-salary, Serie A-experienced "lottery-type star" alongside the three primary forwards, providing potential upside at a lower cost. Inter has many choices for this scenario. The least popular option was to pair the three main forwards with Marko Arnautović without adding a fifth striker, indicating fans view Arnautović as a major obstacle to improving Inter’s attack.

Currently, the issue with Arnautović remains unresolved, and Correa's return further complicates matters. Inter’s history shows that acquiring reinforcements during financial constraints is challenging, but offloading surplus players for transfer fees is even harder. Thus, adding another high-caliber striker this summer will be difficult.

Not every loaned-out player is as problematic as Correa. According to AS and Mundo Deportivo, Lucien Agoumé, due to his impressive performance at Sevilla, has convinced the club’s management to exercise his €8 million buyout clause. Inter retains a €16 million buyback option. However, Sevilla’s financial difficulties might lead them to seek a discount, but Inter is unlikely to comply easily. Transfer market experts confirm Inter has no intention of recalling Agoumé or activating the buyback clause, as the coaching staff does not see it as a good idea, indicating a technical decision.

Tonight, Inter faces Frosinone, with Marcus Thuram Jr. expected to play a key role. Amid the increased complications caused by Correa’s return, another piece of news has stirred considerable discussion. Sky Sports journalists report that several clubs have inquired about Thuram Jr., but Inter is reluctant to sell him. Marotta hopes to leverage the player’s happiness in Milan to fend off lowball offers. However, given his €85 million release clause, a wealthy club could still potentially trigger it, leaving Inter powerless to stop the move.

When Thuram Jr. joined Inter last summer, many tactical experts predicted he could follow André Onana’s path: joining on a free transfer and leaving for a high fee after one year. At the time, some joked that Thuram Jr. might be sold for €85 million after a year, solving Inter's forward dilemmas. What seemed like a joke now appears increasingly plausible.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that when Simone Inzaghi renewed his contract, he requested adjustments to the forward line, indicating the coach believes the current forwards' overall abilities and performances are limiting Inter’s potential. With financial constraints and the failed attempt to sell surplus players, selling a key player like Thuram Jr. for €85 million might be the key to solving all their problems. Sky Sports' report has sparked significant debate on social media both domestically and internationally.

Inter’s forward dilemma is further complicated by Thuram Jr.’s potential departure. While his €85 million release clause could provide a significant financial boost, it also poses a risk to the team’s attacking depth. If a club meets the clause, Inter will face the challenge of finding an adequate replacement.

As the season progresses, Inter’s management must carefully navigate these challenges. Correa’s return, Agoumé’s potential sale, and Thuram Jr.'s future are all critical factors in shaping the team's strategy. Balancing financial stability with competitive performance will be crucial.

Inzaghi’s tactical acumen and Marotta’s negotiation skills will be tested. The potential sale of Thuram Jr. could provide the financial flexibility needed to address multiple areas of the squad. However, losing a key player could also disrupt the team's dynamics, requiring careful planning to ensure a smooth transition.

Inter’s success in the Europa League and Serie A demonstrates the team’s potential. However, to sustain and build on this success, the club must effectively manage player sales, acquisitions, and contracts. This summer will be pivotal in determining Inter’s future trajectory.

In conclusion, Inter Milan faces a complex situation with significant challenges and opportunities. The potential sale of Thuram Jr. for €85 million could be a game-changer, providing financial resources to strengthen the squad. However, careful planning and strategic decisions are essential to ensure the team’s competitiveness and stability in the coming seasons.