Report: Inter Milan launch midfield Hunt for Morten Frendrup and Mandela Keita

The Nerazzurri have already been active in the transfer market this summer, splashing out over 70 million euros to secure Ange-Yoan Bonny, Luis Henrique, Petar Sucic, and making Nicola Zalewski's move from Roma permanent.

Despite these additions, manager Cristian Chivu is keen to further strengthen the squad, particularly in midfield, as they transition to a dynamic 3-4-2-1 formation.

"Morten Frendrup has been on our radar for some time," said Inter's sporting director Piero Ausilio, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport. "He's a leader in ball recoveries and brings the intensity we need."

The 24-year-old Dane, valued at around 20 million euros by Genoa, impressed last season with 37 Serie A appearances and two goals. Inter have previously discussed Frendrup during talks for Valentin Carboni's loan to Genoa, showing a strong relationship between the clubs that could ease negotiations.

Parma's Mandela Keita, a 23-year-old Belgian, is another prime target. Chivu, who coached Keita during his time at Parma, is a big admirer of the defensive midfielder's athleticism and ball-winning ability. "Keita's profile fits perfectly with what we're building here," Chivu has said, per Internews08. Parma, who paid 11.9 million euros for Keita last summer, are holding firm at a 20-million-euro valuation.

However, Inter's ambitions are tempered by financial constraints. The club are pursuing Atalanta's Ademola Lookman, a deal that could exceed 40 million euros, making player sales crucial.

Midfielders Kristjan Asllani and Piotr Zielinski are on the chopping block. Asllani, determined to stay in Italy, has rejected a move to Real Betis, while Zielinski's 4.5-million-euro annual salary and injury-hit season have made finding a buyer challenging. "We need to balance the books before we can act," said Inter CEO Beppe Marotta, according to TuttoMercatoWeb.

Inter's pursuit of Frendrup and Keita signals their intent to build a robust, versatile squad capable of challenging for the Serie A title. With their season opener against Torino looming on August 25, the Nerazzurri are under pressure to finalize their squad and deliver Chivu's vision on the pitch.