I mean, it doesn't surprise me. We've clearly indicated that we're more interested in global stars than guys from Serie A. Isn't it weird though that Inter now is the team built on Italians while we're the team looking for international superstars?
Ironic, but only natural as we are now a massive team, whereas Inter are trying to close ground. At the moment they're not as attractive to international players as we are, so the next best thing is to sign better young players from within the league.
I don't think they are particularly looking to sign Italians, but they need a mix of younger players because they have also bought some older and experienced players in recent times. It's obviously easier to integrate young players who are already in the league rather than from outside, so a number will be Italian. We signed Kulusevski of course, and we can presume that lots of other big teams wanted him because he is a standout 19 year old for the league, even if it's only half a season.
They're about 5 years behind where we are but have signed Lukaku and Eriksen in the past season. Ok, it is two players who either wanted to leave or were running down a contract, but 2 years ago Inter wouldn't have been able to sign them. Know who has helped bring players like that into other Serie A teams? Juve. With the our performances, business model and high profile signings all of a sudden it makes Serie A look that bit more enticing again. That and Chinese money.
I suppose the litmus test for our market this summer, as always, is what we do with the midfield. I'd be concerned if Tonali would be signed as an immediate starter. His performances, hype and nationality don't justify that. We're a team looking to win the CL, after all. Going to Inter and being a starter or playing 75% of games is a different thing, different pressure. He knows that, it's probably a safer move for him. But if he wasn't ridiculously expensive I'd like to have him as an option from 5 or 6 CMs. That is where Paratici and co earn their money, knowing where to apportion our budget for players we actually need. I'm presuming Kulu replaces Berna, so that's one requirement. There are so many others though...Midfield once again is the sticking point. If our plan is to go for someone like Pogba or another huge, expensive name then of course someone like Tonali or Chiesa falls by the wayside. Chiesa only comes alive again if someone gives us big money for Douglas Costa or he is swapped out as part of a big CM deal.
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- DAiDEViL
