Inter Milan plot midfield overhaul with Koné pursuit and Stankovic return
Inter Milan are planning a significant restructuring of their midfield this summer, with a move for AS Roma's Manu Koné and the integration of returning loanee Aleksandar Stankovic headlining the potential changes. According to reports from Italy, the Nerazzurri's leadership has long identified Koné as a primary target, while Stankovic is set to rejoin the first-team squad following a productive loan spell in Belgium. The reshaping of the department could also involve key decisions on the futures of Hakan Calhanoglu, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and Davide Frattesi.
The potential influx of new midfielders is linked to manager Cristian Chivu's reported consideration of a tactical shift away from the club's long-standing 3-5-2 formation. The idea of adopting a more flexible 4-3-3 system, while not yet finalized, is understood to be a driving factor behind the planned market activity. This shift would maintain three midfield roles but likely necessitate a streamlining of a squad that currently carries seven options for those positions, a number that would rise to eight with Stankovic's return and nine if Koné arrives.
This anticipated logjam makes several departures probable. Henrikh Mkhitaryan's contract expires on June 30, and while a renewal remains a hypothetical possibility, the prevailing feeling is that the club's ownership, Oaktree Capital, may opt against an extension. Davide Frattesi's time at the club also appears to be nearing its end after months of speculation, and the future of youth prospect Assane Diouf is described as uncertain.
The most complex situation surrounds Hakan Calhanoglu. The Turkish international, whose contract runs until 2027, has expressed a desire to experience the Turkish Super Lig before the end of his career. However, he has reaffirmed his central importance to Inter this season despite injury troubles, scoring nine goals in 21 appearances. According to the reports, the club finds it difficult to contemplate losing a player of his caliber, especially as his contractual situation would make recouping his sporting value through a sale challenging next year. A contract renewal, therefore, remains a distinct possibility.
Nicolò Barella is considered firmly tied to the club, while Piotr Zielinski has impressed with his adaptability and is expected to stay. Luka Sucic is viewed as a potential star for the future. This could leave Inter with a core midfield group of Barella, a possibly renewed Calhanoglu, Koné, Stankovic, Zielinski, and Sucic, representing a substantial refresh of the engine room. The moves signal Inter's intent to build a midfield capable of supporting a potential new tactical era under Chivu, blending established stars with promising new acquisitions.
