As the new season unfolds in Italy, Inter Milan finds itself in a challenging position concerning its attacking front. With the reliable duo, Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram (referred to as “ThuLa”), solidifying their roles, the club acknowledges the need for additional support. The first big candidate for rotation, Mehdi Taremi, has already faced setbacks even before getting into his stride, prompting the Nerazzurri to explore additional options.
Inter’s management has received the green light from American investment firm Oaktree to pursue an attacking acquisition, provided they adhere to the strategic vision laid out by club president Beppe Marotta and sporting director Piero Ausilio. The focus is on identifying and nurturing a young talent who can grow behind the established stars, allowing head coach Simone Inzaghi to manage player workloads effectively amidst an extensive season ahead.
There are a couple of promising candidates already being considered from previous scouting efforts. One player on the radar is Ukrainian striker Vladyslav Vanat, a 21-year-old talent from Dynamo Kyiv. Vanat has recently shined in the Ukrainian league, finishing as the top scorer last season with 14 goals in 27 appearances. His impressive form earned him a spot in the national team for the European Championships, where he made a brief appearance against Belgium. He started the current season strongly as well, scoring in Dynamo’s 3-0 victory over Partizan in the Champions League qualifiers.
Inter has tracked Vanat for almost a year, with scouts observing him during matches, and despite having a contract until 2027, he could be available for a fee between €10 million and €15 million. This price tag is significantly lower than the €25 million requested by Red Bull Salzburg for Karim Konaté. The 20-year-old Ivorian striker had an outstanding record last season, netting 20 goals in 29 Austrian league matches, and faced Inter during last year’s Champions League. However, a knee injury has sidelined him for several weeks, raising concerns about his readiness for immediate integration into the squad.
As Inter contemplates these potential signings, the futures of Marko Arnautovic and Joaquín Correa hang in the balance. The club needs to create space within the squad before making any new additions. There are plans for a discussion with Arnautovic to address his current role and future. The Austrian striker has found himself lower in the hierarchy, and it remains to be seen if he would accept a reduced role compared to the previous season. If a suitable offer comes in, the club is open to finding a solution.
Correa’s situation is more complex, as the Argentine forward has expressed his desire to stay in Europe rather than returning to his homeland with Estudiantes. With these considerations in play, Inter Milan is at a critical juncture as they seek to strengthen their squad and navigate the challenges of the upcoming season with strategic acquisitions and player management.