Inter Milan Plotting Summer Overhaul: Kone Targeted, Veteran Exits Expected

According to Thursday's reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter Milan is reportedly planning a significant squad overhaul this summer, which could see the departure of several long-serving first-team players. Their primary target for reinforcement is said to be Roma midfielder Manu Kone.

Despite currently holding a comfortable seven-point lead at the top of the Serie A table with ten matches remaining, La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that a major 'transfer revolution' could be imminent for the Nerazzurri.

Inter has numerous veteran players whose contracts are set to expire at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, with renewals currently not anticipated. This list includes goalkeeper Yann Sommer, defenders Matteo Darmian, Stefan de Vrij, and Francesco Acerbi. A final decision regarding midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan's future is also pending.

Furthermore, the Nerazzurri are looking to inject 'fresh blood' into the squad for the 2026-27 campaign, particularly for coach Cristian Chivu's plans. Manu Kone of Roma was previously a target in the 2025 summer transfer window, and La Gazzetta dello Sport indicates that Inter is expected to renew their pursuit of the French midfielder in the upcoming transfer period.

The report from Thursday also highlights Inter's intention to activate the buy-back clause for 20-year-old Club Brugge midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic, who is the son of former Inter star Dejan Stankovic.

Player exits are a distinct possibility, with La Gazzetta dello Sport asserting that, at this juncture, very few of Inter's first-team stars are truly 'untouchable,' perhaps with the exceptions of Lautaro Martinez and Pio Esposito.

Even key players like Alessandro Bastoni, Nicolo Barella, or Marcus Thuram could theoretically be considered for sale should a sufficiently appealing offer materialize. Meanwhile, Galatasaray is reportedly maintaining their interest in midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu.

Defender Yann Bisseck is reportedly attracting interest from Premier League clubs, and Denzel Dumfries is believed to have a release clause in his contract that becomes active this summer.

La Gazzetta dello Sport emphasizes that these discussions remain purely hypothetical for now. However, if one or two high-profile players were to depart this summer, Manu Kone, whose transfer fee is expected to exceed €40 million, would become Inter's top priority target.