Cristian Chivu does not want a like-for-like replacement if Hakan Calhanoglu leaves Inter Milan this summer.

This according to today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews.

Inter Milan are bracing for the possibility that Hakan Calhanoglu could leave this summer.

The Nerazzurri would hope for an offer of at least €40 million for the Turkish international, who is in the sights of Galatasary, So far, the Istanbul giants have only shown a willingness to bid €15 million.

However, there is a sense that Galatasaray’s push to sign Calhanoglu will only intensify.

Therefore, Inter are getting ready to potentially have to replace the 31-year-old.

Chivu Doesn’t Want A Like-For-Like Hakan Calhanoglu Replacement At Inter

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 17: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, reacts during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between CF Monterrey and FC Internazionale Milano at Rose Bowl Stadium on June 17, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Certainly, if Inter are to sell Hakan Calhanoglu this summer transfer window, then they will look to bring in a replacement for the former AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder.

And according to Tuttosport, Nerazzurri coach Cristian Chivu has a clear idea of the kind of player he would want to take the place of the Turk.

Tuttosport report that Chivu doesn’t want a like-for-like replacement. That is to say, he isn’t seeking a deep-lying playmaker.

Calhanoglu is a player who began as a more attacking midfielder. Then moved deeper on the pitch.

And that is not the profile of midfielder that Chivu would want to replace Calhanoglu.

Rather, reports Tuttosport, the 44-year-old would seek a more physical, purely defensively-minded midfielder.