Inter Milan are set to undertake a significant midfield rebuild this summer, with Roma's Manu Koné and Liverpool's Curtis Jones among their primary targets, according to reports from the Italian press. The club's management, working closely with head coach Dan Chivu, aims to inject freshness, physicality, and quality into the engine room ahead of the new season.
A move for Koné appears to be a long-standing priority for the Nerazzurri. An agreement in principle with Roma was reportedly reached last summer before fan backlash in the Italian capital forced a delay. With Roma needing to generate significant capital gains to comply with UEFA's Financial Fair Play regulations, the sale of Koné is seen as a likely route, a situation Inter are said to be monitoring closely. The French midfielder has maintained a strong interest in a move to San Siro.
Alongside Koné, the potential arrival of Liverpool's Curtis Jones remains a viable option. The English midfielder, whose contract expires in 2027, was close to joining Inter in January and is not expected to sign a new deal with the Reds, potentially making him a market opportunity. However, should both moves materialise, Inter would face a surplus of midfield options, necessitating several departures.
The planned revolution also involves key internal decisions. According to the reports, Hakan Calhanoglu is very likely to extend his contract and will not be sold this summer. Furthermore, the club will exercise a buy-back clause to re-sign youth product Aleksandar Stankovic from Club Brugge for approximately 13 million euros, following his productive loan spell in Belgium.
To balance the squad, several exits are anticipated. Henrikh Mkhitaryan, out of contract in June, is unlikely to be offered a new deal. Davide Frattesi's Inter adventure is also reportedly nearing its end, with the midfielder attracting interest from Nottingham Forest and several Italian clubs. The future of summer signing Assane Diouf is also uncertain, with Chivu reportedly considering using him in an unfamiliar right-wing role, a move that could prompt the player to seek a transfer.
This comprehensive midfield restructuring underscores Chivu's increased influence over transfer strategy compared to last summer, as Inter's management seeks to build a squad increasingly in the Romanian coach's image. The coming months are expected to be busy at Appiano Gentile as the club navigates a complex web of arrivals, returns, and departures.
