Inter face key decisions with Koné negotiations and Lookman doubts | OneFootball

Inter’s Transfer Market Gamble: Koné, Lookman and the Search for Midfield Power

Credit must go to Gazzetta for reporting on the complexities of Inter’s summer negotiations, where football ambition, tactical necessity and boardroom manoeuvres are colliding. The club finds itself at a crossroads, with meetings involving president Marotta, sporting director Ausilio and Cristian Chivu set to define the future direction of their mercato.

Koné Saga Leaves Door Ajar

The French midfielder Manu Koné looked almost certain to join Inter, his name etched into the plans of the Nerazzurri hierarchy. As Gazzetta outlined, “That signing seemed to have the powerful physique and braids of Manu Koné, but then things got complicated just as the deal for the Roma midfielder seemed to be speeding toward white smoke.”

Photo IMAGO

Inter had advanced talks over contract terms and bonuses, while Roma sporting director Massara was reportedly ready to cash in to reinvest in attack. Then came the Friedkins’ intervention, concerned by both fan reaction and financial caution, which abruptly stalled the move.

Yet Gasperini, speaking only yesterday, left the window ajar. He admitted, “Let’s see what happens in the next 15-20 days: Koné is a very strong player, it would be a loss for us. We need to see what can be done between now and the end of the transfer window. If you have to sit still like this, I don’t like it…”

It is the kind of ambiguity that keeps hope alive for Inter fans. As Gazzetta concluded, “In short, the deal is still possible.”

Shift Towards Midfield Power

This pursuit of Koné is not just about one player but a reflection of Inter’s broader tactical evolution. Chivu’s vision of a hybrid side demands more physicality in midfield. “There’s a growing belief that the largest chunk of the budget should be invested in the middle, where Chivu wants more physicality, regardless of the playing system he adopts.”

With creators like Calhanoglu, passers like Sucic and Mkhitaryan, and energy from Barella and Frattesi, what Inter lacks is a midfield enforcer who can dominate physically. Koné represents exactly that missing ingredient.

Lookman Stalled, Alternatives Emerging

While Koné dominates headlines, Inter’s other major target, Ademola Lookman, remains stuck in limbo. Negotiations with Atalanta are proving arduous. As Gazzetta detailed, “The Lookman deal, who returned to training in Portugal after his English blitz, remains on hold but could fall through permanently for reasons of expediency.”

Marotta has publicly declared Lookman “not for sale”, and with Atalanta’s rising youngsters Pio and Bonny impressing, Inter may ultimately walk away. If that happens, the Nerazzurri are expected to pivot towards lower-cost reinforcements later in the window, with midfield again the likely focus.

Chivu’s Defining Summer

What is clear is that Chivu, alongside the board, faces a decisive few weeks. Meetings this week are billed as crucial, with Gazzetta reminding that “It must be the final one, because that’s where the decisive move to secure the number one signing will take place.”

This summer feels like a moment of truth for Inter. The right signing could tip the balance between progress and another season of frustration.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Inter supporters reading this report will feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. On one hand, the prospect of Koné arriving is mouth-watering. He is the type of powerhouse midfielder who could transform the balance of the squad, allowing flair players like Barella to thrive. Fans will cling to Gasperini’s admission that “the deal is still possible” as a sign that the door has not yet closed.

However, the scepticism is equally strong. Many supporters have lived through previous transfer windows where last-minute stumbles cost the club dearly. There is frustration that the Friedkins’ hesitation and Financial Fair Play constraints could again deny Inter a player they clearly need. Some will argue that dithering has been the curse of this board, with opportunities wasted while rivals strengthen.

On Lookman, there is disappointment. His explosiveness would have added variety in attack, but most fans will agree with the strategic pivot towards midfield reinforcements. As one might say, “Why chase wide options when the real weakness lies in the centre?”

For Chivu, this feels like his first real test of authority beyond the touchline. Supporters will expect him to push for Koné or a player of similar profile. Should Inter fail, the backlash could be fierce. Right now, the feeling is one of expectation, with cautious hope that this is the summer when ambition finally matches need.