Chivu`s squad needs two key additions. For the midfield, focus is on Rennes` 21-year-old Djaoui Cissé and Antwerp`s Mahamadou Doumbia. In defense, there are difficulties for Oumar Solet, while Renato Veiga is a welcome option.
Upon returning to training at Appiano, Inter`s management reaffirmed the priority for two new signings before the transfer window closes. Both the coach and the club agree on the need for a dynamic, versatile midfielder and a flexible defender. However, negotiations for Roma`s Manu Koné are currently stalled, with no breakthroughs from the Roman club. Consequently, Inter is exploring younger alternatives, with Djaoui Cissé, a promising 21-year-old from Rennes, emerging as the most intriguing option.
Midfield Alternatives
Manu Koné remains the top choice for the midfield, and Inter would be willing to invest a considerable sum, up to 45 million euros, to acquire him – a figure that could tempt Roma, who are dealing with UEFA`s financial fair play regulations. Despite current difficulties, the Koné operation is not entirely off the table. Meanwhile, directors Beppe Marotta and Piero Ausilio are actively exploring the European market for a midfielder who can revolutionize the department. Among the profiles observed, Mahamadou Doumbia (born 2004) from Antwerp, already eyed by other top clubs, and Djaoui Cissé (Doumbia`s peer) from Rennes stand out. Cissé, in particular, is seen as a young Koné: a pillar of the French U21 national team, he shone at the last European Championship, scoring three goals and emerging as one of the rising talents. Although Rennes has him locked down until 2029, demanding over 30 million euros – a sum considered excessive by Inter for a player not yet fully established – his characteristics perfectly match Inter`s requirements: modernity, effective pressing, ability to play vertically, and create dynamism.
Defensive Options
Simultaneously, Inter is seeking a defender to rejuvenate the backline, considering profiles like Acerbi and De Vrij. Negotiations for Udinese`s Oumar Solet, another French defender, are facing difficulties, as the Friulian club is not open to a loan – a crucial condition for Inter, who would link the acquisition to the resolution of the 24-year-old`s legal issues, as he faces a sexual assault accusation. Should Benjamin Pavard depart, with interest from Saudi club Neom and French clubs, Inter could make a more substantial investment. In such a scenario, attention might turn to players with some Serie A experience, like former Juventus player Renato Veiga (born 2003), who has returned to Chelsea after a loan spell. For Veiga too, the permanent transfer fee requested is around 30 million euros.
