Emanuele Tramacere

Como have held fresh direct talks with AC Milan over a potential move for midfielder Samuele Ricci. Ricci is not a first-choice player at Milan after a disappointing debut season, but the club want to protect the value of the €23 million investment made to sign him from Torino. Ricci is considering Como because of the prospect of regular playing time and development, while Como are also assessing him in the context of UEFA squad-list requirements.

AC Milan and Juventus are reportedly considering a late transfer swap involving Youssouf Fofana and Nico González, with Fikayo Tomori also a possible component of the deal. Juventus need a defensive midfielder and right-sided centre-back, while Milan are looking to refresh their attacking midfield options. González would prefer a return to Atlético Madrid, but his representatives have offered him to Milan. The swap remains only an idea, although the clubs’ player valuations are reportedly close enough for an agreement to be possible.

AC Milan and Juventus are reportedly considering a late transfer swap involving Youssouf Fofana and Nico Gonzalez, with Fikayo Tomori also a possible option for Juventus. Fofana has been made available by Milan, while Gonzalez reportedly wants to leave Juventus and return to Atlético Madrid. The clubs' valuations are believed to be close, but the proposed exchanges remain ideas rather than advanced deals.

AC Milan and Juventus are considering a late transfer-window swap involving Youssouf Fofana and Nico Gonzalez, with Fikayo Tomori also mentioned as a possible Juventus target. Juventus need a holding midfielder and potentially a right-sided centre-back, while Milan are seeking attacking reinforcements. Gonzalez reportedly wants to return to Atlético Madrid, but his agents have offered him to Milan. A direct swap remains only an early idea, with the clubs still needing to resolve a modest difference in player valuations.

Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu says the team responded strongly after being written off following the previous season and is targeting another league title, with ambitions to dominate Serie A. He praises former coach Simone Inzaghi for helping his development and highlights new coach Cristian Chivu's focus on players' personal wellbeing and confidence. Calhanoglu also defends Serie A's quality, contrasts Italian and German football, discusses his long-range shooting, and names Ronaldinho as an idol and Marcus Thuram as the strongest teammate at Inter.

Anan Khalaili’s transfer to Inter Milan collapsed after he failed sporting eligibility tests, with CONI becoming involved. His agent, Boaz Goren, said Khalaili is unlikely to play in Italy unless the relevant protocol changes, while Crystal Palace cleared him medically in under two minutes and completed the signing. Goren described Inter as the preferred option, with Crystal Palace second, before Khalaili moved to England.

John Lucumí has arrived in Turin to undergo medical examinations at JMedical before completing his permanent move from Bologna to Juventus. Juventus have offered €18 million plus €2 million in bonuses, while Lucumí has agreed to a five-year contract worth €3 million per season including bonuses. Juan Cabal is expected to move from Juventus to Bologna on loan with an option to buy, although the fee remains under discussion.

Inter beat Real Betis 1-0 in their final summer friendly before opening the 2026/27 Serie A season against Monza. John Stones marked his debut with the winning goal and impressed alongside Manuel Akanji, while Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Nicolò Barella, Ange-Yoan Bonny and Federico Dimarco were also singled out for strong performances. Carlos Augusto, Piotr Zieliński, Pio Esposito, Yann Diouf and Luis Henrique were criticized for a lack of sharpness, pace or attacking impact.

Inter defeated Real Betis 1–0 in their final summer friendly before opening the 2026–27 Serie A season. New signing John Stones made an excellent debut, scoring from Benjamin Pavard’s assist and forming an effective defensive partnership with Manuel Akanji. Hakan Calhanoglu, Nicolo Barella, Ange-Yoan Bonny and Federico Dimarco were among Inter’s strongest performers, while Carlos Augusto, Piotr Zielinski, Francesco Pio Esposito, Andy Diouf and Luis Henrique were criticized for a lack of sharpness or attacking impact.

Inter defeated Real Betis 1-0 in their final pre-season friendly at Bari's San Nicola stadium. John Stones scored the winner on his debut in the 82nd minute, turning in a cross created by Federico Dimarco and Benjamin Pavard. Inter controlled the midfield in the first half and dominated after the break, creating several chances through Dimarco, Ange-Yoan Bonny and others, while Betis goalkeeper Manu González made multiple saves. Inter will begin their 2026/27 campaign against Monza seven days later.

Inter defeated Real Betis 1-0 in their final pre-season friendly at Bari's San Nicola stadium. John Stones scored the decisive goal in the 82nd minute on his Inter debut, converting after Benjamin Pavard headed back Federico Dimarco's free-kick. Inter controlled midfield and improved after half-time, creating several chances through Dimarco, Bonny, Esposito and others, while Betis goalkeeper Manu González made several important saves. Inter will begin their 2026/27 Serie A campaign against Monza the following week.

Marcus Thuram was left out of Inter Milan's squad for the friendly against Real Betis because he is not yet fully fit after returning to training on August 12. Inter says the France forward is not injured, but needs substantial work to regain his explosiveness and best condition after a recurring calf problem. He will remain at Appiano Gentile to train rather than travel to Bari, where he would have had limited training opportunities and would not have been expected to play.

Inter Milan has officially completed the permanent signing of English wing-back Djed Spence from Tottenham Hotspur. The transfer is worth €30 million plus €5 million in bonuses and 10% of any future resale fee for Tottenham. Spence has signed a contract through 30 June 2031 worth €3 million net per season plus bonuses and is expected to wear Inter's vacant No. 24 shirt.

Christopher Nkunku is expected to leave AC Milan after being excluded from Ruben Amorim’s plans and omitted from the squad for a friendly against Manchester United. Roma and Manchester United have previously been linked with the French forward, while RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund have now reportedly entered the race. Milan paid €37 million plus up to €5 million in bonuses for Nkunku and are seeking a permanent transfer of around €30 million, or a paid loan with a purchase option or obligation worth at least €22.6 million.

Marcelo Brozovic, a former Inter midfielder, has been offered to Juventus after becoming a free agent following his departure from Al Nassr. His agency, Epic Sports, is reportedly seeking talks with Juventus while also discussing other players. Juventus have likewise been offered Franck Kessie, but the club would only consider signing him if one of Arthur, Miretti or Teun Koopmeiners leaves because of its existing midfield congestion.

Inter begin the final week before their Serie A opener against Monza with Cristian Chivu maintaining the familiar 3-5-2 system and several encouraging preseason performances, including Aleksandar Stanković's emergence, Federico Dimarco's form and Andy Diouf's wing-back adaptation. Concerns remain over the untested Lautaro Martínez–Marcus Thuram partnership, the form and fitness of several alternatives, and Pio Esposito's sharpness. The squad is numerically stronger after the arrivals of John Stones and Djed Spence and Benjamin Pavard's return, but failed transfer targets and disappointing departures—particularly Davide Frattesi's low-fee move—remain unresolved issues.

Como are still seeking a major attacking signing after Fiorentina rejected a €35 million-plus-bonuses offer for Moise Kean. Sporting director Ludi has opened talks with Chelsea over a loan for Liam Delap, with Chelsea reportedly willing to cover part of the striker’s wages. Initial contact has been positive, making Delap an increasingly realistic alternative as Cesc Fabregas looks to strengthen Como’s squad for domestic and European competition.

Monza have renewed their interest in Inter midfielder Kristjan Asllani after captain Matteo Pessina suffered a serious knee injury. Inter reportedly want €10–15 million but may accept a loan with a purchase option or obligation tied to Monza’s survival. The club has also asked Napoli about winger Cyril Ngonge, who is not part of Massimiliano Allegri’s plans and could seek more playing time elsewhere.

Rafael Leao is scheduled to meet AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale at the start of the week to resolve uncertainty over his future. Cardinale is expected to tell Leao that he must either secure an offer of approximately €50–60 million for a transfer or commit fully to remaining at Milan and repair relationships with the club and his teammates. Leao will miss Milan’s friendly against Manchester United because of a muscle problem, which may also threaten his availability for the Serie A opener against Torino on 23 August.

Inter remain interested in signing Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones despite Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola’s desire to retain him. Jones has reportedly reiterated his willingness to move to Milan, but Inter have not improved on their €25 million proposal, while Liverpool want at least €40 million. Inter’s pursuit is also constrained by the failed sale of Davide Frattesi, whose departure was expected to help finance the deal. John Stones is meanwhile set to join Inter on a free transfer.