For fans of the game generally and sports betting fans in particular, there is arguably little more exciting in the football calendar than transfer season. And while the thrill and the agony of a season finale is obviously an incredible experience, transfer season has a unique sense of excitement that is hard to beat.
Putting aside the excitement of sports betting fans in making a potentially lucrative wager, however, for team managers looking to the season ahead, transfer season is a crucial part of the year that gives them the opportunity to add some power to their roster. And with roster changes having the potential to make or break a team, there can be a lot riding on the decisions that are being made during these pivotal few weeks.
This is something Inter Milan – who have benefitted from some pivotal, if not season-saving transfers over the years – are very much aware of. Romelu Lukaku, for example, was secured by Inter Milan from Manchester United in 2019 for the eye-watering figure of €80 million and went on to secure 34 goals in his debut campaign. Inter Milan even managed to make a cool profit off him when they sold him to Chelsea for €115 million just a few years later!
But what about Inter Milan in 2023? Are there any players this historic Italian club have already set their sights on, or are we still speculating as to who they might eventually secure?
Franck Kessié
One name that has been swirling around in the rumor mill in recent weeks is Franck Kessié.
According to reporting by a prominent Spanish news network, Kessié is one of the main targets for Nerazzurri, who spent much of March travelling around meeting with team managers from across the European club scene.
Although Kessié has suffered a few missteps due to injuries, the outlook is still optimistic for the talented young Ivory Coast native. Kessié has spent the last year playing for FC Barcelona – following a successful stint at AC Milan – although the higher-ups at Camp Nou are keen to get him off their roster!
Interestingly, much of the discussion between Barca and Inter regarding Kessié has focused on the possibility of inking a swap-deal that includes Marcelo Brozović. Brozović is a Croatian who has made a good name for himself as a defensive midfielder for both Inter Milan and his Croatian national squad.
Donny van de Beek
Another name that has been pretty much constantly in the news in recent months when it comes to transfer rumors is Donny van de Beek, who is a Dutch midfielder currently playing with Manchester United.
Donny the Dutchman joined the Red Devils from the prestigious Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam in 2020, when he was sold for a cool €40 million. Since then, Donny has made a solid name for himself as a reliable presence in midfield, although he has never really made the impact that the Manchester United bosses were initially hoping he would.
Inter’s interest in Donny comes as part of an effort to make their midfield offering more attack-oriented and to strengthen their lineup more generally. And if they manage to offload Brozović to Barcelona, Van de Beek will be an important addition to their lineup!
Word on the street is that Inter Milan have shown themselves willing to offer €20 million, which is obviously well below what Manchester United originally paid for the Dutchman. However, it is not yet clear just how much cash they are prepared to part with in order to secure the deal.
With a £77 million windfall beefing up their war chest, however, we could see this figure climb higher as negotiations intensify!
Lautaro Martínez
One name that has been receiving its fair share of rumors as a possible offload for Inter Milan this season is Lautaro Martínez, who the Italian side are apparently keen to get some cash for.
According to inside sources, the 25-year-old Argentinian is being touted as a transfer opportunity for Inter Milan as they look to raise some extra cash for the transfer season. Although he has looked very much at home in Milan, Manchester United are considering him as the perfect complement to Harry Kane.
Real Madrid and Arsenal have also reportedly expressed an interest in the talented Argentinian, although it is not yet clear how much cash they would be willing to hand over in order to get him on their roster.