Inter set for rebuild after Champions League final debacle: Who will stay, who will go? | OneFootball

Serie A side Inter are set to undergo a squad revamp after losing the Champions League final to Paris Saint-Germain.

A report by La Repubblica details the squad challenges that Inter must face ahead of the new season, as a host of ageing players may call time on their careers at the club, and there is a growing need to reduce the average age of the squad from 29.6 years.

The Nerazzurri CEO, Beppe Marotta, is set for a formidable task ahead, as it is certain that there will be player sales. However, the club can protect a few of their interests, given that they are expected to generate around half a billion in revenue, thanks to strategic management and their progress in the Champions League.

The first big potential transfer interest to look at came on the eve of the UCL final when Lautaro Martinez’s agent, Alejandro Camano revealed that he had “spectacular offers” for the forward, but he has said “no” to them. However, it remains to be seen whether the Argentinian striker remains committed to the Inter project after losing two Champions League finals with the club.

While things have been dormant on this one but Nicolo Barella and Alessandro Bastoni are players that Inter may find tough to keep this summer transfer window. No club has approached them yet, but their stay at the side will depend on Simone Inzaghi’s decision on his future. There is expected to be no shortage of offers for the two key players of the Nerazzurri if they convey a transfer request.

Marotta has signalled a meeting with Inzaghi where they will talk about his future. Saudi Arabian interest is growing strong in the Italian manager as Al-Hilal will welcome him with open arms if he departs Inter. A huge shadow lies now as it is uncertain whether he will travel with the team to the United States for the Club World Cup but anything on the front will be resolved before the competitions since the club management and Inzaghi have great respect for each other.

Despite the managerial issue, Marotta will have reinforcements coming in the likes of Petar Sucic and Luis Henrique. Marotta will use these two as leverage and a clearer sporting dream to hold Inzaghi down at the club or lure a top manager to the side in the event of his departure. Inter are pushing to sign Parma striker Ange-Yoan Bonny, and he could arrive before the Club World Cup as Marotta attempts to show intent on a rebuild.

Marko Arnautovic and Joaquin Correa will depart Inter following the expiry of their contracts at the end of this month. One of Francesco Acerbi and Stefan De Vrij could leave the Nerazzurri as they turned 37 and 33, respectively. Henrikh Mkhitaryan had previously communicated his desire to retire and this year could be his last one in football. Matteo Darmian, 35, is set to expected to exit since it is uncertain whether he can play at a top level, keeping in mind his age. The same thing goes for Yann Sommer, who had a respectable campaign despite his age with Inter, but now might depart. The club already has Josep Martinez lined up as a replacement for the Swiss goalkeeper.

Marotta and his advisors must now act tactfully as Inter approach a crucial phase which will impact their growth in the future.

Trambak Bhattacherjee | GIFN