Inter Milan youngster Dilan Zarate is making strides in the youth setup, earning comparisons to standout star Hakan Calhanoglu.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the teenage midfielder could be the Turk’s long-term successor at Giuseppe Meazza.

Despite his elite status, Hakan Calhanoglu could leave Milan at the end of the season.

Indeed, the 31-year-old has yet to commit to fresh terms at San Siro amid growing interest from Galatasaray.

Therefore, Inter may soon need to find a new deep-lying playmaker.  

Dilan Zarate to Replace Hakan Calhanoglu at Inter Milan

Hakan Calhanoglu Inter Milan
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Hakan Calhanoglu of Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and FC Internazionale at on September 13, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

While Calhanoglu is approaching the twilight of his career, Dilan Zarate is steadily developing into a creative force for Primavera.

Indeed, the 18-year-old has already become famous for his versatility.

Coach Benito Carbone has used the talented Spaniard in various roles.

In addition to excelling as a deep-lying midfielder, Zarate has impressed in more advanced positions.

Furthermore, Zarate’s robust physique allows him to operate as a box-to-box midfielder.

Therefore, he could offer Cristian Chivu a variety of options in the future, which at this point looks quite bright.