Saudi Offer of €15M Salary Lures Inter Milan's Star: Executives Follow Perisic Principle, Identify Two Replacements

Every international break brings the challenge of selecting news about Inter Milan from the vast array of reports. The current atmosphere at Inter is so positive that it leaves little room for sensationalism in the Italian media. Some outlets maintain a semblance of integrity, opting for in-depth interviews when news is scarce. For example, they might interview Inter's coach Simone Inzaghi’s modest wife, Gaia, revealing behind-the-scenes stories such as her pivotal role in his decision to coach Inter instead of renewing with Lazio. During Inter’s poor performance last season, it was also Gaia who faced verbal abuse from some ultras, revealing the vulnerability of the family amid the tensions.

Other media outlets, lacking substantial news, resort to filling pages with less significant stories. They might speculate on the new stadium plans, despite Inter’s CEO stating clearly that a decision is unlikely in the short term, and groundbreaking by 2024 is more wishful thinking than a reality. Similarly, there are baseless rumors about the return of Achraf Hakimi, a move that seems financially implausible given Inter's current budget constraints.

However, one notable piece of news has surfaced: Saudi Arabia’s wealthy investors have reportedly offered Henrikh Mkhitaryan a lucrative two-year contract worth €15 million annually, aiming to sign him at the end of the season when his contract with Inter expires. A month ago, his agent confirmed that the Saudis had approached Mkhitaryan in the summer, but the Armenian veteran chose to honor his contract with Inter, driven by his desire to win trophies and play in the Champions League.

This season, Mkhitaryan has been outstanding, ranking as Inter’s second-best dribbler, behind Marcus Thuram. He’s been the running king in several matches, consistently covering over 12,000 meters when playing the full 90 minutes. With less than a third of the season completed, he has already matched his statistics from last season with two goals and three assists. His contributions in terms of progression, key passes, and successful passes into the box are among the top in the team. In Inter's current system, Mkhitaryan is a crucial player, undeniably one of the team’s key performers. The Saudis’ renewed interest in him, coupled with a higher salary offer, has been confirmed by several football market experts.

This news comes at a delicate time as Inter is negotiating contract renewals with several players, including Lautaro Martinez, Federico Dimarco, and Denzel Dumfries. With Mkhitaryan’s contract expiring and him being eligible to sign a Bosman agreement in a month and a half, his situation is particularly critical. Transfer rumors are common during such negotiations, often as a tactic by agents to gain leverage.

Mkhitaryan currently earns a net salary of €3.8 million, plus bonuses. Given the tax benefits he enjoys, his total cost to the club, including bonuses and taxes, is slightly over €5 million. This is considered cost-effective, especially since his gross salary is much lower than other midfield mainstays like Hakan Calhanoglu and Nicolo Barella, whose gross salaries are around €10 million, and even lower than some rotation players like Davide Frattesi, who earns a gross salary of €5.55 million without tax benefits.

Inter is keen on renewing Mkhitaryan's contract, and their intent is clear. The challenge lies in the cost of renewal, particularly regarding salary and contract length. The player naturally hopes for at least a two-year extension without a pay cut, given his current performance. However, at nearly 35, there’s a risk that an injury could lead to a significant decline in performance, which concerns Inter. Additionally, there’s a likely shift in Italy’s tax law, which could eliminate the current tax benefits, making a moderate pay cut and a shorter contract more aligned with Inter’s interests.

In summary, the negotiations between Inter and Mkhitaryan are expected to be tough, with the Saudi offer adding pressure on the club. Mkhitaryan's situation is somewhat reminiscent of Ivan Perisic two years ago when the Croatian veteran's outstanding performance during his contract year made his renewal Inter’s biggest challenge. CEO Beppe Marotta is known for his clear principles in such matters, striving to balance financial prudence with the player’s demands. He aims to demonstrate the club's sincerity but also believes that no player is irreplaceable or indispensable based on performance and external rumors alone.

Inter has prepared two potential replacements for Mkhitaryan. One is Piotr Zielinski, and the other is the young Italian talent, Andrea Colpani. Months ago, even before Colpani’s recent rise to fame with Monza, Inter’s sporting director Piero Ausilio had scouted him twice. The focus on Mkhitaryan’s renewal and potential replacements will be crucial in the coming period.

The strategic approach taken by Inter demonstrates their commitment to maintaining team balance and financial health. They recognize Mkhitaryan's value but are equally prepared to adapt to changes, ensuring they remain competitive regardless of individual player movements. This dual strategy reflects Inter's broader philosophy under Marotta’s leadership, aiming to build a resilient squad capable of facing challenges both on and off the pitch.