Mercato weekly recap with Aadam Ahmed

It has definitely been an eventful mercato week for Inter fans.  I will be going over the highs, lows, and main talking points regarding Inter that have emerged over the last seven days.

Inter need to strengthen their attack.  Mancini has requested attackers, and attackers he will most likely get. A whole host of names have been linked with Inter, most notably Stevan Jovetic, Mohammed Salah, Ivan Perisic, and Dries Mertens, while there has been ample talk about Xherdan Shaqiri’s potential exit from Inter.  The Nerazzurri begun their search for a left-back and have identified certain players who could fit the bill.

In terms of players coming in, Inter have not officially signed any player.  However, the Nerazzurri have made great steps in acquiring some of their top attacking targets.  Sources such as Sky, Il Corrierre Dello Sport, and Premium Sport are currently reporting that the deal for Ivan Perisic is down to the final details between Inter and Wolfsburg. The fee will likely be around 18 million euros, and Inter are close to bringing in a winger who can cross and shoot with both feet.  However, before reports have stated hat a deal is in place, Wolfsburg’s sporting director Allofs stated that the German Club are not a selling club.  It must be taken into account that the reports emerged after Allof’s words. Personally, I think that Perisic is a fine player that could help Inter a lot.  Many are arguing that 18-20 million euros is a hefty sum for the Croatian, but I would argue that you have to overpay for players when you are out of Europe.  Since Inter do not have the financial power of many Champions League clubs, the club must take risks on players who have the potential to improve the level of the squad in the long term.  Talks have been ongoing for some time now, and hopefully it will all pay off.  Overall, I think that Perisic is a player that Inter need, and I want to see the deal closed as soon as possible.

Another player that has been heavily linked with a move to Mancini’s side is Stevan Jovetic.  The Montenegrin has had a torrid time at Manchester City, with his time blighted by injuries and competition for starting places.  Now, sources such as Sky, La Gazzetta Dello Sport, Il Corrierre Dello Sport, and many more are reporting that Inter have reached an agreement to bring Jovetic to Italy: a loan for two years worth 3 million euros with a mandatory redemption fee of 12 million euros.  Premium is also stating that the player’s medical will be next week.  No official announcement has been made, so we cannot assume that Jovetic is already an Inter player.  I have mixed feelings about the move.  On one hand, I personally would have preferred a true winger to fit in a 4-3-3 system like Mohammed Salah.  On the other hand, Mancini could transform Jovetic into a new player that can help bring Inter back to the top.  The player has a past with injuries, and hopefully he remains healthy as long as possible.  Once again, Inter must take a risk on a fantastic player who has had a couple difficult years in his career after a glittering spell with Fiorentina.  Great risks could result in great rewards, with the keyword being could, as I have stated before. In all, I am a fan of this move, and hopefully Jovetic can return back to his best in Serie A.

One player Inter look almost certain to miss out on is Mohammed Salah.  Sources such as Sky state that the Roma have reached an agreement with Chelsea and the Egyptian himself.  The real villain for the Nerazzurri in the Salah saga was Fiorentina.  The Viola released threatening comments against Inter, and the threat of going to court loomed large.  Instead, Chelsea decided to play it safe, and send Salah to Roma.  The Giallorossi have a good accord with Fiorentina, who are looking to receive Mattia Destro as a ‘compensation’ for the whole mess that was the Salah transfer saga.  I am disgusted with Fiorentina in total.  If a player does not want to play for you anymore, rejected a loan extension, and returned to his parent club, you do not have any say.  Unfortunately, things got more complicated. Fiorentina agreed to pay the 1 million euros to extend Salah’s loan. In an ideal world, Chelsea would pay the money back, and any club would be free to approach Salah for a potential transfer.  Fiorentina felt as if an ‘outside force’ was convincing Salah to veto a loan extension, and the culprits were Inter in their eyes.  No attacks were targeted at Roma, which will almost certainly be Salah’s next club.  I for one, am bitter that Inter missed out on the Egyptian.  I do admit that 25 million is a lot of money, and the cash could be used in other areas. Salah would have been a welcome addition, but Inter could have been sued if they had seriously pursued the player. Overall, a shameful scenario.

In terms of players out, all eyes are on Xherdan Shaqiri.  The Swiss international seems destined to depart Inter after only 6 months.  Reports such as Il Corriere Dello Sport, La Gazzetta Dello Sport, and Sky have reported that Shaqiri is close to a move to Schalke.  I am not sure if I am a fan of this deal, because Mancini requested Shaqiri last January, and now he is dumping him.  In the end I guess Mancini knows best, and maybe Shaqiri could not adapt to Serie A. I am not too happy or sad about this deal.

Tell me what you think about this week’s news. Tweet at me @aadamforzainter and comment down below!