Inter Milan are preparing for a significant squad overhaul this summer, with a transfer budget of approximately €50 million set to increase substantially should defender Alessandro Bastoni be sold, according to reports from Italy. The newly-crowned Serie A champions are anticipating the departure of several key veterans whose contracts expire this month, including Yann Sommer, Matteo Darmian, Francesco Acerbi, Stefan de Vrij, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, paving the way for a new cycle under coach Simone Inzaghi.
The scale of Inter's market activity is heavily dependent on the future of Bastoni. The Italian international defender is a subject of serious interest from Barcelona, and his potential sale, deemed probable but not yet certain by sources close to the club, could double or even exceed the current war chest provided by owners Oaktree Capital. This financial boost is seen as crucial for funding what the club's management views as a necessary deep restructuring to compete at the highest level in Europe.
The club's strategy is being driven by a clear sporting vision articulated by Inzaghi, who recently stated that modern football is now won by the best attacks, not the best defences. Inter led Serie A with 110 goals in 50 matches this season, powered by Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram. The aim is to build a more versatile and unpredictable team capable of varying its tactical approach, moving beyond a consistent rhythm that succeeded domestically but has sometimes been a handicap in European competition.
To that end, Inter's sporting directors, Giuseppe Marotta and Piero Ausilio, are targeting dynamic midfielders and forwards. Names linked include Borussia Monchengladbach's Manu Kone, Atalanta's Ederson, and Al Ittihad's Moussa Diaby, a player they attempted to sign in January. The club has also indirectly confirmed admiration for Cagliari's versatile winger Nicolas Viola, while a deputy for Hakan Calhanoglu is sought, with Liverpool's Curtis Jones fitting the profile.
Despite the offensive focus, addressing defensive vacancies is a priority. The departure of Sommer creates a major need in goal, with Tottenham's Guglielmo Vicario a long-standing target. The club is also monitoring Genoa's Josep Martinez and Roma's Mile Svilar. In central defence, an agreement is already in place with Sassuolo's Ruan Tressoldi, though 50% of any fee would go to Juventus. Other options include Lazio's Mario Gila, Udinese's Castello Lukeba, and Roma's Evan Ndicka, a left-footer who shares characteristics with Bastoni.
The overarching theme of the window is flexibility, both tactical and financial. While a major sale like Bastoni's would accelerate and expand their plans, Inter are prepared to operate within their initial budget, strategically allocating resources across multiple positions. The objective is to construct a squad with the depth and variety to challenge not just for domestic supremacy but to make a more substantial impact in the Champions League next season.
