Market Strategy Changes: After Signing Bonny, Focus Turns to a Player Who Can Beat His Man
Inter`s attack currently includes Lautaro, Thuram, Pio Esposito, and soon Bonny. The team is looking for a fifth offensive player with different qualities, specifically one who can play as an attacking midfielder (trequartista). Pio Esposito`s confirmed rise impacts Inter`s market strategy, changing their needs based on on-field performance. As a result, the pursuit of Hojlund is now less urgent. While not completely ruled out, a large investment in a forward with his profile is no longer essential, especially as the deal for Bonny from Parma is nearing completion.
Inter traveled to Charlotte yesterday, a six-hour journey, landing during the Italian night, which wasn`t the ideal time to finalize the deal with Parma. It`s expected the agreement will be reached today. Bonny is practically an Inter player, with the transfer expected to close at a fixed fee between 23 and 24 million euros plus performance-based bonuses. This significant investment is the third after Sucic and Luis Henrique, bringing the total spending on the new squad to 60 million. Inter had identified Bonny before Chivu`s arrival. Sporting Director Ausilio and President Marotta considered signing him before the Club World Cup, but time ran out, leading to this delay. The club is currently deciding whether to send the player to the US now, though they will likely wait for the outcome of the round of 16 match against Fluminense. Additionally, Thuram is set to return soon, expected to be available to face Thiago Silva starting Monday.
Bonny`s arrival will currently complete Chivu`s attacking options, giving him four players capable of playing as a main striker. Adding a fifth, especially with a substantial investment like the one needed for Hojlund (Manchester United wasn`t open to a loan), seems illogical. However, Inter still intends to sign another offensive player. This aligns with Chivu`s tactical needs. The coach is keen on regularly utilizing an attacking midfielder, either from the start or during the match. He`s used Zalewski and Mkhitaryan in this role, and occasionally Sebastiano Esposito (though he`s leaving). Valentin Carboni is another option but appears likely to be loaned out. Inter will probably look for this specific profile in the market: a player who can function as both a second striker and an attacking midfielder, something Correa never consistently provided. A major investment isn`t anticipated; instead, Inter will seek a market opportunity, possibly later in August. For this target, they may need to relax Oaktree`s usual age restriction policy. For example, if an opportune technical/economic deal similar to the Dzeko signing in 2021 arises, Inter would likely seize it. This would fully complete the attack, provide Chivu with necessary options, and address a historical gap in the squad: a player capable of dribbling past opponents in the final third. Stay tuned, as Inter is undergoing changes, and the Club World Cup is just the beginning.
