Transfer Market Insights: Inter Milan Responds to Warnings from Manchester United and Arsenal Deals, While Eyeing Future Forward Options

Inter Milan fans have received some encouraging news recently. Key defender Stefan de Vrij has recovered from injury and returned to training, giving Inter a boost of confidence ahead of the upcoming "Blue-Black Derby." However, the biggest topic of discussion remains the potential signing of Exequiel Palacios. The young talent has successfully completed his medical examination, smiling for the cameras, and raising hopes among supporters.

Typically, new signings proceed directly to Inter's headquarters to finalize the paperwork right after a medical. Yet Palacios deviated from this process, sparking concerns among fans that a last-minute change of heart or demand, reminiscent of the Lazar Samardzic saga, might be unfolding. Transfer market insiders have clarified that the delay in Palacios’ signing is due to a final point of contention between Inter and his Argentine club: Inter would rather pay slightly more in performance-based bonuses than include a "sell-on clause" in the transfer agreement. This reluctance stems from recent experiences with new signings at Arsenal and Manchester United, which have left a profound impact on Inter’s decision-making.

Bologna's Experience: A Cautionary Tale

Last season's Serie A surprise package, Bologna, experienced a major overhaul this summer. The team lost their head coach and several key players, including a defensive stalwart and a star striker. While they brought in over ten new players in the transfer window, Bologna’s fortunes have quickly soured, finding themselves in the relegation zone after just two games. As many social media commentators have noted, "Bologna may have earned a fortune, but they’ve significantly weakened their squad."

However, Bologna disputes this narrative. On paper, they appeared to have made substantial profits: the sale of Koni De Winter to Arsenal for €45 million and Joshua Zirkzee to Manchester United for €42.5 million. Yet, both players came with a 50% sell-on clause owed to their former clubs, FC Basel and Bayern Munich, respectively. This clause drastically reduced Bologna's actual earnings. To prepare for their return to European competition, Bologna invested €48.5 million in more than ten new recruits, including some well-known players from Europe's top five leagues. In the end, their spending almost matched their income, barely breaking even.

Italian media outlets have labeled Bologna a “cautionary example,” highlighting that Serie A has become a “transit league” for talented players. Including a sell-on clause in transfer deals can result in significant sums of money passing through a club’s accounts without truly belonging to it. This uncomfortable reality has prompted Inter Milan to avoid such clauses in Palacios’ deal.

As insiders know, Oak Tree Capital, a significant stakeholder in Inter, places great emphasis on a player's "resale value." If a sell-on clause is included, even a high sale price in the future would result in significantly reduced proceeds. Reportedly, Inter initially aimed to sign Palacios for a fee around €7 million, similar to their acquisition of Kristjan Asllani. The price then increased to €11 million (€6.5 million guaranteed plus €4.5 million in add-ons). Inter preferred to pay a higher variable fee to exclude the sell-on clause, but the Argentine club remained firm on its inclusion. This point of contention has become the final obstacle to completing the transfer.

According to transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, both Inter and the Argentine club remain optimistic about finalizing the deal. The biggest question is whether Inter can ultimately avoid including the sell-on clause. Regardless of this outcome, the negotiations reflect how much both sides believe in Palacios' potential to become a high-value asset in the transfer market.

Inter’s Transfer Window Strategy: Closing the Door or Keeping it Ajar?

Once the Palacios deal is wrapped up, most experts believe that Inter’s incoming transfer business for this window will be over. However, Inter fans, both in Italy and worldwide, are frustrated by the lack of further signings. One of the most pressing issues facing the club this season is whether they need to add a player with strong ball-handling and possession skills. Head coach Simone Inzaghi is clearly interested in such a player. Throughout the summer, he inquired multiple times about the Icelandic midfielder, Albert Gudmundsson.

Many fans believe that a new addition, whether a forward or a right wing-back (considering the situation with Denzel Dumfries), could provide Inter with a significant boost. The team needs balance, not just in terms of attacking and defending, but also between physical battles and technical skill. Could there be another signing to address this need?

Bedy Moratti, a journalist with close ties to the Inter board, suggests that there is substantial debate within the club about whether to close the transfer market now. "There are many voices arguing against shutting down the market," Moratti said. "They say the team lacks a forward and a right wing-back. Given the player characteristics, the club could use a 'Sanchez-type' replacement. But they’ve decided to keep the January market open and continue monitoring a long-term target: the Calabrian player currently in recovery."

Moratti's comments suggest that Inter’s transfer committee is unlikely to sign a "technical player" this summer. Instead, they prefer to take four months to evaluate the situation and decide whether to make a move during the winter window. Inter's plan appears to involve their long-term target, Domenico Berardi, a 30-year-old Sassuolo player who suffered a severe cruciate ligament injury in March. He has already started recovery training and is expected to return to action in October or November. Before his injury last season, Berardi was in excellent form, scoring nine goals and providing three assists in 17 Serie A appearances. Inter has been interested in him for many years, but his price has always been a stumbling block. Now, with the player facing the greatest challenge of his career, Inter seems to be stepping up their interest, perhaps sensing an opportunity to strike a “bargain” in the winter window.

In today’s world of fast-paced information and ever-changing transfer markets, even seasoned experts like Fabrizio Romano, Gianluca Di Marzio, and Matteo Guarro occasionally get things wrong. Will Moratti's prediction about Inter’s strategy this season turn out to be accurate? Time will tell. For now, the club’s fans must wait and see how the rest of the transfer window unfolds.