The quirky scheduling has thrown Genoa and Inter Milan into a high-stakes battle right at the start of the season, with their match set for Saturday afternoon. Both teams come into this fixture with expectations: Inter, the reigning Serie A champions, are looking to maintain their dominance, while Genoa are eagerly anticipating the support of their 28,000 devoted season ticket holders. However, the match also serves as a challenge for the management on both sides as they try to navigate a complex transfer situation.
Bringing Albert Gudmundsson to Milan and Marko Arnautovic to Genoa is a task that requires meticulous planning. While both transfers remain difficult, there is still a chance for these deals to materialize. Each day that passes without Gudmundsson arriving in Florence suggests that his heart is set on Inter. His desire to stay in Italy and compete in the Champions League is clear; a move to Fiorentina seems too modest for a player who aims for the big stage at San Siro. The pressure is mounting on Fiorentina as they grow impatient with the hold-up.
Meanwhile, Inter is cautiously watching events unfold in Genoa, particularly as they notice rising interest from Genoa in Arnautovic. This scenario brings the two players’ paths together in an intriguing way. Genoa coach Alberto Gilardino is looking to fill the void left by Mateo Retegui’s quick departure to Atalanta, while Inter coach Simone Inzaghi acknowledges the need for a forward with different characteristics compared to his current options. Although Gilardino would prefer Juventus’ Milik, he sees Arnautovic fitting well in the central role. On the flip side, Inzaghi is in need of Gudmundsson’s pace and dribbling.
Right now, both teams are in a state of mysterious anticipation, wanting to first focus on their weekend clash. The season opener is drawing near, leaving little room for discussions on transfers. However, the coming days may change the landscape significantly. Genoa could make a strong push for Arnautovic, prompting Inter to take action they haven’t yet pursued. Currently a vital part of Inter’s squad and well-liked by teammates, Arnautovic would likely step aside if the club expresses a clear desire for his departure.
For this to happen, Inter first needs to address their own squad issues. Martin Satriano remains at the club for now, and there are still questions surrounding Joaquin Correa, whose contract is a financial burden for the team. If Inter does engage in negotiations, they will have to maneuver creatively, especially since Arnautovic is out of contract and can only move permanently, while Inter is not keen to invest fully in Gudmundsson—particularly with ongoing legal issues he faces in Iceland.
In essence, any transfer deal will likely need to be structured as a loan with an option to buy, similar to the arrangement being explored by Fiorentina. However, the financial implications of Arnautovic’s potential exit will complicate matters. Indeed, the name “Arnautovic” could be the key to unlocking the entire situation.