The last three seasons have seen Inter finish first, second and then third. It is not a trend that Inzaghi will want to continue. But whether he can arrest that particular slide, make a real fist of the title fight, while hopefully going one step further in the Champions League rests on the transfer activity this summer. What happens in the transfer window between now and when it closes on the 1st of September will have a huge impact on the sports betting markets for the forthcoming season.

There are several factors that will determine not only who Inter can target, but who they will be able to get over the line. There will be outgoings, and Inzaghi will be keen to get those done and dusted as early into the window as possible. That will let him know what positions he needs to address, as well of course to understand the budget available.

Other factors will also have an impact on the summer business. The Spanish clubs are once again active, something which will increase competition, and push prices up. Jude Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund shows that you cannot discount the Bundesliga either, as players in this window. The main competition however will be from the English Premier League, and this year it is likely to be hotter than ever. Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham will all be very active either bolstering their squads, or in the case of Tottenham building a new one under their new manager Ange Postecoglou. Added to that, Aston Villa and Brighton are in Europe for the first ever, and since 2011 respectively. Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi obviously knows the Italian market very well.

There is also a new kid on the block in the form of Saudi Arabia, which has seen a deluge of big names heading their way. It is still unclear just how much of an effect that will have on Inter’s targets, and for the time being at least the example of Stefan de Vrij is hopefully an example of things to come. 

Italy, and more specifically, Serie A is a more attractive destination for foreign players than it once was. The fact the league had three clubs in the last eight of the Champions League, two in the last four and one in the final speaks volumes of the progress the league has made.

There will be dozens of names bandied around, but who are five realistic targets that could be arriving at the San Siro this summer?

Wilfried Zaha

As first mentioned on this very site, the Ivory Coast international who can play as either an out and out striker or right winger is a potential. He is a legend at Crystal Palace, but after his fairly ill fated move to Manchester United, before returning to his boyhood club, it is unlikely he will go to another EPL club. At thirty he is still at a good age, and will be looking to win something, and with the recent success of English players in Serie A, Inter would seem a perfect fit.

Trevoh Chalobah

One transfer that looks like it definitely has got legs is that of cultured defender Trevoh Chalobah. Inter’s cause will be helped by Chelsea’s need to offload players from its bloated squad, so deals should be more easily to come by.

Davide Frattesi

The versatile playmaker is only 23 years old, and has already played at five Serie A clubs. He needs to settle down at one, and with an arm around him in the right team could really develop into an influential player. Inter could very well be that club.

Ivan Perisic

At the other end of the scale is 34 year old Perisic. A return to Inter to see out his career would be a good move for all concerned.