Let’s start from Valentin Carboniwhich is the main topic of the Inter market at the moment. The transfer of the Argentine playmaker to Olympique Marseille is now imminent and also a small masterpiece, given the starting conditions. But let’s go in order: in the next few days, upon his return from the Copa America won practically as a spectator, the Argentine gem will renew his contract until 2029, a sign that there is indeed trust in Viale della Liberazione. Then he will move on loan to the French club who will pay 1 million euros – they could and even wanted to get more, but that is certainly not the main issue of the matter – and will be able to buy him for 36 million euros. At that point, Inter will be able to exercise the counter-buyback option for 40.
In short, at the level of market operation, the best possible. Roberto De Zerbi’s school is perfect for valorizing and growing a talent born in 2005. If that’s the case, and OM will buy him back (there are quite a few variables in those parts), Inter will have invested 3 million euros – a rough calculation, this season’s salary should also be considered, which will be entirely paid by the French – to make what they believe to be a little gem blossom. Otherwise, a young boy who will have learned something will return to the base. Hats off to Marotta, Ausilio and Baccin.
At the same time, the decision not to focus on Carboni immediately reveals what is perhaps Simone Inzaghi’s only real limitation. Magnificent technician, let’s be clear, for an infinite number of reasons. But how hard it is, from some points of view, to get out of certain comfort zones. In the case of the Argentine, it is also complicated to understand whether the issue is more anagraphic than tactical. In the first case, a bit out of place in the year of a European Championship won by someone who turned 17 during the game, the clues are scattered throughout a career that, although starting from the Primavera, has seen few or no youngsters launched. Inzaghi prefers ready players: it is not a mortal sin, for goodness sake, but perhaps something is lost. Guardiola, when he had Foden in his hands (let’s not bother with even more high-sounding names), threw him into the fray without thinking and in fact they proved him right. We suspect that this is the main reason, but the tactical aspect is not secondary either: Carboni, still immature, is difficult to classify and even more so in the 3-5-2. Some variation of an excellent score but now well known to all, on the other hand, will be an extra weapon that Inter would find very useful. In short: right to let him go since he would have found little space; very right to indulge the characteristics of the coach; perfect operation. But they could have dared, and instead Inter will go on the market to look for that creative tip that is currently the main gap in the squad.
In this regard, while it remains true that a real offensive would require the transfers of Correa and especially Arnautovic, the first name remains Albert Gudmundsson. Well, why not Federico Chiesa? The Icelander, without considering the sword of Damocles hanging over his head, is at the peak of his career and should make the leap. The Italian is looking for a relaunch, he costs little for what he is worth, he is already used to very high stages. He is less easy to frame tactically, but he could be the wild card that Inter needs: as a fifth or striker, finding a position for him would be up to the Piacenza coach who in this, without a doubt, is phenomenal.