Inter Milan are preparing for a significant summer transfer window following their Serie A title victory, with a move for Argentine talent Nico Paz a key ambition, according to Italian reports. The club's management, led by Giuseppe Marotta and Piero Ausilio, is set to operate with a budget of approximately 40-45 million euros, plus additional funds generated from player sales, as they aim to continue a youth-focused squad evolution under the ownership of Oaktree Capital.
The pursuit of Nico Paz, currently on loan at Como from Real Madrid, is described as a potential 'gift' for the Scudetto win. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder is expected to be recalled by Real Madrid this summer, as the Spanish giants hold a buy-back clause set at nine million euros. However, his future at the Santiago Bernabeu is uncertain, with his prospects dependent on the assessment of the club's new manager, potentially Jose Mourinho. Inter's interest is long-standing, facilitated by vice-president Javier Zanetti, and the Italian champions hope Real Madrid's crowded midfield, featuring Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler, and Brahim Diaz, could make Paz available.
Should Paz return to Madrid, Inter are reportedly ready to test Real's resolve with a formal offer. The proposed deal would mirror the structure of his current arrangement with Como: a permanent transfer worth an estimated 45-50 million euros, but with a future buy-back clause retained by Real. This complex maneuver is considered necessary, as prying Paz directly from Como is viewed as financially impossible for Inter. The club's technical staff, including assistant manager Cristian Chivu, is seeking a player of Paz's profile—a creative force who can operate as an attacking midfielder or a mezzala—to add a different dimension to the attack.
The potential move for Paz sits within a broader context of anticipated turnover at San Siro. Several players could depart, including Davide Frattesi, while the returns of Benjamin Pavard, Kristjan Asllani, and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro from loans will need to be managed. Furthermore, the club faces decisions on veterans with expiring contracts like Stefan de Vrij, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and Matteo Darmian, with De Vrij already offered a renewal on reduced terms amid interest from Benfica. The obligatory purchase of Manuel Akanji from Manchester City for 15 million euros is also now triggered following the league title.
Beyond Paz, Inter's summer plans include other targets. Should the Argentine move prove unworkable, alternatives like Al-Ittihad's Moussa Diaby have been considered. The midfield is also a priority, with Roma's Manu Kone identified as a primary objective, commanding a fee of 35-40 million euros. Defensive reinforcements could include Strahinja Pavlovic, and a new goalkeeper like Guglielmo Vicario is a possibility if Josep Martinez departs. The future of Denzel Dumfries, who has a 25 million euro release clause, will also dictate whether a new wing-back is required, with Genoa's Brooke Norton-Cuffy previously monitored.
Ultimately, Inter's strategy is one of calculated evolution, using their championship status and financial planning to attract young talent. The chase for Nico Paz represents the most ambitious and symbolically significant thread in that project, a high-stakes attempt to secure a coveted prospect for the next phase under Simone Inzaghi.
