Striker Marko Arnautovic could be headed for the exit door at Inter Milan this summer after just one season at the club.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Arnautovic joined Inter last summer from Bologna.
The Austrian international came in during the last couple weeks of the transfer window. Inter identified the veteran striker as an inexpensive stopgap option in a long striker search.
The Nerazzurri paid around €10 million to the Rossoblu to sign Arnautovic.
The former West Ham United and Stoke City striker signed a two-year contract worth around €3.5 million net per season including add-ons.
The idea was to have Arnautovic in the squad as a very experienced, Serie A-proven backup behind the starting duo of Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram.
Marko Arnautovic Could Leave Inter After One Season
Arnautovic’s first season back at Inter has been something of a mixed bag relative to expectations.
The Austrian has had some standout moments.
These included scoring in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid.
And Arnautovic has strung together some performances that have been in line with what Inter signed him for. The veteran striker’s physicality and experience have given the team a real reference point in the final third.
But there have also been underwhelming performances from Arnautovic.
And, even more concerningly, there have been injury issues.
Arnautovic has suffered two thigh strains during the season so far. The 34-year-old missed around six weeks in the fall. And he is currently on the sidelines, out for around a month.
So there are question marks about what sort of guarantees Arnautovic can offer Inter next season.
Moreover, the Nerazzurri will be bringing in Mehdi Taremi on a free transfer from Porto this summer.
Therefore, the club could see Arnautovic as surplus to requirements next season.
The Austrian turns 35 next month. Inter could look to find a new club for him.