The transfer market has a small turning point. Inter-Atalanta, the thaw begins with Zalewski.

Inter are making room. For whom, they have yet to decide. In the meantime, they have sold the winger who will make way for Luis Henrique , who was already signed some time ago, in the Champions League squad. The player in question is Nicola Zalewski , who was bought from Roma in June for €6.5 million, taking advantage of favorable terms, and then resold to Atalanta (his medicals today) for €17 million, resulting in a substantial capital gain, letting go of a player Chivu never really took a chance on in the summer. The deal is unrelated to the Lookman issue, but it was nevertheless a reason to sit down and strengthen a close bond between the clubs involved: with the transfer window now closing, there's no guarantee they won't be able to resume negotiations, this time specifically for the Anglo-Nigerian, who is separated at home in Bergamo.

In the immediate future, priorities seem to be different, both in Zingonia and Appiano. Atalanta still needs to acquire Retegui's heir, and Inter hasn't yet made a deal to replace Sucic , despite having effectively ousted Asllani two months ago. The midfielder is seeking a salary agreement with Bologna , a destination he'd like (unlike Betis, who rejected him some time ago). Discussions between the two managements will then get to the heart of the matter. The Nerazzurri acquired the Albanian from Empoli three years ago for €14 million plus €2 million in bonuses, so they've already recouped part of the cost, but they don't want to sell off a 2002-born player with many years of football ahead of him and who has improved in the meantime, though not enough to warrant a repeat appearance in the squad. In the coming days, the deal will be finalized for a figure around €12-13 million plus a 20-30% premium, so as not to have negative financial repercussions. This could eventually lead to a value of €18-20 million, which Inter is currently valuing him for. Here too, there's a key priority: Bologna still needs to replace Ndoye.

Inter then have another transfer to make, that of Taremi , to discuss. Fulham (who could then lower their demands on Atalanta for Muniz) and Leeds are also interested. The Iranian will have to make way for Lookman or someone on his behalf, unless Via della Liberazione decides to definitively take a different path. Koné, if the Friedkins are convinced to sell him to acquire the reinforcements Gasperini wants.

At that point, the Champions League squad would feature seven midfielders and four strikers. The same number as last year, but with 24 players, one more: Pio Esposito, back at the base, can be included as a member of their youth team.