Inter's plan – keep Maicon, sell Balotelli, buy Cavani

Inter Milan have begun to turn in different directions this transfer market, while at first the nerazzurri were bargaining with Real Madrid about Maicon, now it seems like Balotelli could leave for Manchester City. The European champions would have to sell either the Brazilian or the Italian in order to begin to balance the books for the impending financial fair-play rule which will be introduced by UEFA.

At first Real Madrid was offering 25 million Euros for Maicon, but Inter wanted 35 (although it’s rumoured that 30 million would’ve sealed the deal), but Real Madrid have now decided to move Sergio Ramos to right back (seeing his great performances for Spain) and look for a central defender. As for Balotelli, Manchester City offered 30 million Euros for Mario, but for Moratti that isn’t enough. If an offer for 40 million arrives, Moratti would probably send the player to Roberto Mancini’s Manchester City.

Inter Milan have to make a smart decision between Maicon and Balotelli, while Balotelli is a very promising young Italian player, Maicon is probably the best right-back in the world, and finding a replacement would be difficult. Maicon has always shown his love for Inter Milan, like when he scored a stunning winner against Juventus, the Brazilian ran to the Inter fans and yelled that he would remain in Milan. Balotelli on the other hand has always been a difficult player to deal with, not consistent and not needed while Inter Milan have Eto’o and Milito. So it’s very probably that the Italian will leave for Manchester City as long as the right offer comes in.

Balotelli’s replacement would be Palermo’s Edinson Cavani who apparently wants to remain in Italy and would only go to Inter Milan, forcing Zamparini to negotiate with Moratti. Palermo are interested in some of Inter’s youngsters like Khrin, Obinna, and Mariga, but they would only leave on a loan deal. Palermo could consider asking for Muntari as the Ghanaian midfielder had difficulty this past season finding a spot in Inter’s starting 11, therefore being traded for Cavani.

Today should also be the day that Diego Milito (recently nominated as one of the 11 players for the Ballon d’Or) signs a new contract with Inter Milan. This would tie him to Inter until 2014 with a yearly income of 5 million Euros, keeping him away from Real Madrid or any other clubs interested in him.

Inter Milan are preparing for next season with what seems to me like a very good plan, share your thoughts on their transfer market activity below.