Inter Welcomes Back Alexis Sanchez to Positive Reviews, Declines 101-Goal, 52-Assist Forward in Move that Raises Questions

The transfer market has entered its final stretch, and Inter Milan has taken significant steps to strengthen its squad. The Nerazzurri are close to finalizing a swap deal that would see Joaquin Correa leave the club and Alexis Sanchez return for a second stint. According to several reputable sources, including Fabrizio Romano and Gianluca Di Marzio, the deal has progressed to an advanced stage following an offer from Marseille, which Inter has found acceptable. The proposed agreement includes a €2 million loan fee with an optional purchase clause set at €15 million, which could convert into a mandatory €12 million buyout if certain conditions are met. Marseille has already initiated contact with Correa's representatives to facilitate the move.

However, Marseille's recent elimination from the UEFA Champions League in the third qualifying round may impact Correa's assessment of the move. The French side was ousted by Panathinaikos in a dramatic and controversial fashion. The second leg was marred by contentious refereeing decisions, prompting Marseille to file an appeal with UEFA. Their elimination was particularly painful as they conceded a stoppage-time equalizer in the 99th minute, having led 2-1 on aggregate. A subsequent goal in extra time was disallowed by VAR for a marginal offside, leading to a penalty shootout defeat.

While Marseille will drop into the UEFA Europa League group stage due to current UEFA regulations, the absence of Champions League football could affect Correa's desire to join. Presently, Correa is Inter’s most expensive player in terms of financial costs, with an amortized transfer fee residue of €8.5 million and a salary cost of €6.48 million, totaling €15 million. By offloading Correa to Marseille, Inter would avoid a substantial financial loss and potentially resolve the situation entirely within a year.

Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport confirmed the news, even detailing Sanchez’s profile as if he were already a new signing. They highlighted his performances under Antonio Conte, his controversial exit under Simone Inzaghi, and his current status. On social media platforms in the West, many fans have expressed satisfaction with the deal. Despite Sanchez's age, most comments suggest that replacing Correa with him represents an upgrade. Sanchez remains driven by a hunger for victory, while Correa's issues seem less about talent and more about a lack of motivation, fighting spirit, and desire to win.

Inter’s Decision to Offload Correa and the Complicated Dynamics Behind It

Correa’s situation at Inter took a decisive turn after he was omitted from the squad in the opening Serie A match against Monza, where Simone Inzaghi opted to use Henrikh Mkhitaryan as a makeshift forward rather than field Correa. This omission made it clear to the Argentine forward that he had lost the club's trust, intensifying his push for a transfer. His agent, Alessandro Lucci, has since been working diligently to find a new destination for Correa. This intensified effort has drawn interest from several clubs in Spain, England, and France, including Lille and Marseille.

In the process of negotiating Correa’s exit, Lucci has reportedly visited Inter's headquarters twice. During these meetings, he is said to have proposed another of his clients to the club: Luis Muriel, the Atalanta forward who has accumulated 101 goals and 52 assists in Serie A. Despite Muriel’s prolific record and reasonable valuation — reportedly between €3 million and €5 million — along with a modest salary demand, Inter appears uninterested. Instead, they remain focused on bringing Sanchez back.

This decision has sparked much speculation among football market experts. According to Di Marzio, Atalanta's asking price for Muriel is not prohibitive, and his wage expectations are also quite manageable. Therefore, Inter’s lack of interest in Muriel likely goes beyond financial considerations. Some experts suggest that Muriel's demand for a longer contract (two to three years) may be a sticking point, as Inter currently prefers signing a short-term player for just one season.

Future Forward Planning: What Lies Ahead for Inter?

Inter's reluctance to commit to a longer deal for Muriel raises questions about the club's future plans for its attacking lineup. Are the Nerazzurri reserving a spot for a new striker next summer? Speculation is rife among observers. One name frequently mentioned is Mateo Retegui of Genoa, who has been linked with a move to Inter. Alternatively, the club might be eyeing a forward whose contract expires next summer. However, with limited information available, it's difficult to draw definitive conclusions.

While speculation continues, there is a sense of anticipation around Inter’s current transfer dealings. It is expected that more concrete news could emerge in the coming weeks. For now, the club appears focused on completing the acquisition of Bayern Munich's Benjamin Pavard and wrapping up their forward dealings to conclude their transfer market business effectively.

One thing is certain: predicting moves in the football transfer market is a challenging task, and things can change rapidly within days, let alone over a year. Inter's primary objective at this stage is to finalize the signing of Pavard and resolve their striker situation promptly, aiming to put an end to their transfer market activities for this window.

Positive Reception for Sanchez’s Return and Why Correa Fell Out of Favor

Many fans and pundits have welcomed Sanchez's return to Inter, with a general consensus that the Chilean forward still has much to offer, even at 34. Known for his relentless energy and unwavering desire to win, Sanchez is viewed as a player who could bring much-needed experience and determination to Inter’s attack. His previous tenure with the club saw him play a pivotal role in their Scudetto-winning season under Antonio Conte, and his return is seen as a move that could inject vitality and spirit into a side that occasionally lacks these qualities.

On the other hand, Correa's departure is regarded by many as an overdue move. The Argentine forward has often been criticized not for his ability but for his seeming lack of passion and fighting spirit. His performance has not matched the financial outlay and expectations since his arrival from Lazio. By replacing him with Sanchez, Inter appears to be gaining a player who, despite his age, remains fiercely competitive and driven.

The Broader Implications of Inter’s Transfer Decisions

The decision to pass on Muriel, a player with a proven track record in Serie A, and to go for a short-term solution in Sanchez suggests that Inter is thinking strategically about the future. It hints at a longer-term plan for the forward position, possibly preparing for a significant signing next summer. Whether this move involves Retegui or another yet-to-be-identified player, remains to be seen.

For now, Inter’s immediate priorities are clear: secure Pavard and complete their forward transactions. The club hopes to wrap up its transfer window dealings on a positive note, setting the stage for a season that could see them build on last year's Champions League final appearance and push for domestic and continental success.

In the unpredictable world of football transfers, much can change in a matter of days. But for Inter, the focus is now on closing out their business smartly, avoiding financial losses, and positioning themselves well for future opportunities.