Midfielder Kristjan Asllani is starting to become more and more of a factor at Inter Milan after deciding to stay in the summer.

This is highlighted in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.

During the summer, Asllani had the opportunity to leave Inter in search of more playing time.

Whether this would be on loan or on a permanent basis, there were certainly teams where the 21-year-old would be able to get out on the pitch more.

Reportedly Sassuolo had an interest in signing Asllani. And Inter could have accepted a swap deal for midfielder Maxime Lopez.

But in the end, Asllani stayed at Inter.

Reportedly, this was the former Empoli midfielder’s choice. He wanted to stay and fight for his place at the Nerazzurri.

Kristjan Asllani Becoming A Factor At Inter

Staying at Inter always looked to be a decision with some risks attached for a player in Asllani’s position.

The Albanian international had been frustrated by a lack of playing time last season.

And even with the summer departure of Marcelo Brozovic, there was no guarantee that the situation would change drastically this time around.

With Hakan Calhanoglu now shining as a key player for Inter in Asllani’s position, the young midfielder would have to work hard to carve out space for himself.

But that is seemingly starting to happen.

Asllani has made appearances both from the start and from the bench this season.

And the fact that the Albanian played against Roma on Sunday was proof that Inter coach Simone Inzaghi does trust him with important minutes.

And on Sunday, Asllani repaid that faith from his coach.

The 21-year-old was instrumental in the buildup to the Nerazzurri’s goal.

This hardly means that Asllani will suddenly be a regular in Inter’s starting eleven in the biggest match.

But it is a sign that the young midfielder is heading in the right direction.