Inter Milan target Manu Koné as midfield priority for next season
Inter Milan have identified AS Roma midfielder Manu Koné as their primary target to reinforce their midfield ahead of the 2025-26 season, according to reports from Italy. The Nerazzurri, poised to celebrate the Serie A title, are planning a summer rebuild with manager Cristian Chivu keen to add physicality and dynamism to his engine room. While no formal bid has been lodged, club executives are expected to move decisively for the French international once the season concludes, with Roma's financial situation potentially facilitating a deal.
Chivu's priority is to add a more muscular and physically imposing presence alongside the creative hub of Hakan Calhanoglu and Nicolo Barella. The manager reportedly sought a similar profile last summer, and Koné, 23, fits the blueprint for a player who can elevate Inter's midfield, particularly in European competition. The club's interest is long-standing; last summer, Inter submitted a proposal worth around 40 million euros to Roma, which was initially accepted by then-sporting director Ricky Massara and coach Gian Piero Gasperini before being vetoed by owners the Friedkin family.
The landscape has shifted ahead of this summer's window. AS Roma, facing potential failure to qualify for the Champions League, must register approximately 80 million euros in capital gains by June 30, according to the reports. This financial pressure makes the sale of at least one high-value player likely, with Koné, alongside Mile Svilar and Evan Ndicka, considered among the club's most marketable assets. This scenario could force Roma's hand and create an opportunity for Inter to secure their long-admired target, though the Giallorossi's valuation remains between 40 and 45 million euros.
Inter's strategy involves a potential separate deal for midfielder Davide Frattesi, who could be offered to Roma as part of broader negotiations. Preliminary contacts with Koné's representatives have already taken place to confirm the player's continued interest in a move to the San Siro, with the response reportedly positive. The club is aware that a swift resolution will be necessary to avoid increased competition and a potential price hike should Koné perform well at the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Alongside the pursuit of Koné, Inter are also planning for the return of academy product Aleksandar Stankovic. The Serbian midfielder, sold to Club Brugge last summer for nearly 10 million euros, has a buy-back clause set at 23 million euros, which sporting CEO Giuseppe Marotta is prepared to activate. Stankovic, who was coached by Chivu in Inter's youth system, is seen as a long-term understudy to Calhanoglu, following a development path similar to that of forward Pio Esposito. The club's broader transfer plans also include reinforcing the defense, with Sassuolo's Giorgos Muharemovic a target for the center-back position, and adding a creative, dribbling forward to the attack.
