Why Inter Milan's Winter Transfer Window Deserves a 7: Key Moves Shine and the Truth Behind the €100 Million Free Transfer Rumor

In the final moments of the winter transfer window, Inter Milan faced disappointment when their planned transfer of Stefano Sensi to Leicester City fell through due to work permit issues and financial fair play (FFP) regulations. This failed transfer meant Inter missed out on a potential €2.5 million fee, leading to mixed reviews from the media. Some outlets gave Inter a barely passing grade of 6, while others deemed their window outright unsuccessful, especially since new signing Tajon Buchanan has yet to make his debut. However, renowned Inter insider Gianluca Di Marzio has a more optimistic view, rating Inter's window a solid 7. His rationale extends beyond the immediate impact of Buchanan's signing to the club's strategic moves for the summer, where they have made significant progress towards securing three high-profile free transfers: Mehdi Taremi, Piotr Zieliński, and Luis Muriel.

Buchanan's Delay and Strategic Summer Moves

While Buchanan has not yet featured for Inter, this delay is not due to a lack of ability but rather his need to adapt to Simone Inzaghi's system. Di Marzio points out that once Buchanan has acclimated, especially after the crucial match against Juventus, he is expected to become a valuable part of the rotation.

More importantly, Inter's winter window gains substantial merit from their forward-planning. The club has made considerable headway in securing pre-contract agreements with Taremi and Zieliński, and potentially Muriel. These moves are seen as smart, cost-effective solutions in an era where most Serie A clubs are prioritizing prudent investments.

Taremi and Zieliński Deals

Inter has formally notified FC Porto of their agreement with Taremi, with similar communications expected to be sent to Napoli regarding Zieliński. Both players have reportedly reached verbal agreements with Inter, although finalizing these deals remains crucial to avoid any last-minute changes. Inter's strategy involves making these discussions public to prevent the players from using Inter's offers as leverage to negotiate better deals with their current clubs. Experts confirm that when a player and their representatives permit such formal communications, it typically indicates a strong commitment to the transfer.

Luis Muriel's Potential Free Transfer

Di Marzio and other transfer specialists note that Inter has laid significant groundwork to sign Luis Muriel on a free transfer. The 32-year-old Colombian forward, currently at Atalanta, has managed 6 goals and 1 assist in just 653 minutes across Serie A and the Europa League this season. Despite his limited game time due to injuries and playing style, Muriel remains an efficient scorer. Many pundits recommend signing him as a backup forward, although Inter is not in a rush to finalize this deal. The decision hinges on several factors, including Marko Arnautović’s future at the club. If Arnautović performs well in the latter half of the season and stays, Inter might not pursue Muriel aggressively.

Financial Constraints and FFP Compliance

Inter's modest activity in this window, limited to Buchanan's arrival and the departures of Agoume (to Sevilla) and two loan deals (Carboni and Salcedo), reflects their ongoing financial challenges and the constraints of FFP regulations. However, their proactive approach to securing free transfers for the summer has earned them higher marks from insiders like Di Marzio. These moves are seen as strategic, aiming to bolster the squad without incurring immediate costs.

The Rabiot Rumor: Fact or Fiction?

As the Derby d'Italia approaches, reports from journalists like Pedro Almeida have sparked significant discussion about Inter's potential free transfer of Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot. Sky Italia has given a tentative confirmation, suggesting that intermediaries might be working to facilitate this deal and that Inter might have some interest. However, these reports are filled with uncertainties, as many similar rumors often emerge but fail to materialize.

The fascination with Rabiot among Inter fans is understandable, given his towering presence and technical skills. Yet, signing him poses significant financial challenges. Rabiot currently earns a net annual salary of €8 million, with demands for a renewal reaching €10 million, not including substantial agent fees and signing bonuses. Over a four-year contract, these costs could approach €100 million, a hefty sum for any club, including financially robust Juventus.

Inter's current harmonious squad environment is partly due to their well-managed wage structure. Introducing a high-earning player like Rabiot could disrupt this balance, making Inter cautious about such a move. The timing of these rumors, right before a critical match against Juventus, suggests they might also be tactical maneuvers aimed at unsettling the opposition.

Strategic Negotiations and Future Prospects

Inter has a history of engaging in transfer talks with players from teams they are about to face, as seen before matches against Genoa and Monza. These discussions, often labeled as “strategic negotiations,” might be more about creating distractions than actual transfer intentions. As such, determining the seriousness of Inter's interest in Rabiot requires observing their actions post-Derby d'Italia.

While many Inter fans are excited about the prospect of signing Rabiot, it's wise to temper expectations until there's more concrete evidence of Inter's intentions. For now, the club's focus remains on integrating Buchanan and finalizing the pre-contracts with Taremi and Zieliński.

In summary, despite a quiet winter transfer window, Inter Milan's strategic planning for the summer, involving potential free transfers of key players, has positioned them favorably for the future. Their ability to navigate financial constraints while preparing for significant summer acquisitions deserves recognition, warranting a higher rating for their winter transfer window efforts.