The Nerazzurri, who finished as Serie A runners-up last season, have been forced to pivot after hitting roadblocks in their pursuit of other targets.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Inter have widened their search beyond Italy's top flight to strengthen their roster. The club had chased Atalanta's Ademola Lookman all summer, but negotiations collapsed, with Atalanta holding firm on a 50 million euro valuation. "The deal for Lookman is completely frozen," a source close to Inter told SempreInter, confirming the stalled talks.
With Lookman likely staying in Bergamo, Inter have turned their attention to Roma's Manu Kone. The French midfielder, who impressed in his debut season at Stadio Olimpico, remains a prime target.
However, Roma have rejected a 45 million euro bid from Inter, signaling their intent to keep the 24-year-old unless a substantial offer arrives. "Kone is an important player for us," Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini said, hinting at reluctance to let him go without a replacement.
Should the move for Kone falter, Inter have identified Benfica's Florentino as a strong alternative. The Portuguese midfielder, who lifted the Portuguese Super Cup with Benfica on July 31, has caught the eye with his dynamic displays.
"Florentino's versatility makes him a perfect fit for our system," an Inter scout reportedly told FCInterNews. The club have already made inquiries about the 24-year-old, though no formal bid has been tabled.
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund's Felix Nmecha has emerged as a fallback option to bolster Inter's attack. The Nerazzurri have asked about the forward's availability, but Dortmund's 60 million euro price tag could prove a stumbling block.
"Nmecha's valuation is steep, and we're weighing our options carefully," a club insider revealed to Corriere dello Sport.
However, no official confirmation has come from Inter, Benfica, or Dortmund regarding imminent deals.
Inter, under coach Cristian Chivu, are gearing up for their Serie A opener against Torino on August 25.
With time running out in the transfer window, the Nerazzurri are determined to add depth to their midfield and attack to mount a serious challenge for the Scudetto. "We're working hard to bring in players who can elevate us," Chivu said after a recent pre-season friendly.
Whether Inter can secure Florentino, Nmecha, or Kone remains uncertain, but their proactive approach signals ambition to compete at the highest level this season.