The upcoming Serie A match between Inter and Bologna, a rescheduled fixture from the 19th round, is shaping up to be a crucial encounter for Inter. With Hakan Calhanoglu sidelined due to yet another physical issue, Kristjan Asllani is set to step into the pivotal regista role in front of the defence in Simone Inzaghi’s tactical setup. Following a lacklustre performance in the Supercoppa against Milan, Asllani has already shown his worth in the game against Venezia. While the match against Bologna isn’t necessarily a true test, it will be fundamental for his future, especially considering Bologna’s interest in him and the potential transfer dealings between the two clubs.
Calciomercato report how Bologna’s interest in Asllani is part of a larger web of potential transfers between the two clubs. While no Inter player is truly untouchable, any sale would require a substantial offer. Bologna has identified the Albanian ex-Empoli player as a potential reinforcement for next summer, with an eye on replacing Remo Freuler, who will turn 33 next April. Bologna’s sporting director Sartori is expected to make an attempt, but he’ll find himself negotiating with an Inter side that has several targets within the Bologna squad.
One of Inter’s primary interests lies in Giovanni Fabbian. Inter holds a buyback option for Fabbian, set at €12 million, which must be exercised by June. This clause was agreed upon two seasons ago when he was sold to Bologna for around €6 million. Inter is considering activating this clause, potentially using Fabbian in the summer Club World Cup before reassessing his future.
Inter value Asllani’s transfer fee significantly higher than Fabbian’s €12 million buyback clause. This disparity could lead to discussions involving other players of interest to Inter, namely Santiago Castro and Sam Beukema. Castro, the Argentine striker, is viewed as a potential replacement for either Joaquin Correa or Marko Arnautovic, both of whom are expected to depart. Beukema, the Dutch centre-back, is seen as an ideal profile to join the squad, potentially partnering with his compatriot Stefan de Vrij and grooming him as the future lynchpin of Inter’s three-man defence.
