​Inter could be ready to challenge their city rivals Milan for the signature of right-back Guela Doué after fresh concerns emerged during Anan Khalaili’s medical. The Nerazzurri are actively seeking a new starting right wing-back following the departure of Denzel Dumfries to Real Madrid. Initially, Inter targeted Marco Palestra from Atalanta, but the deal collapsed as the young defender opted to join Chelsea in a high-profile move.
The latest updates place Khalaili as Inter’s top target, with negotiations having progressed to an agreement with Union Saint-Gilloise. However, Khalaili’s medical has raised red flags, and reports on Sunday suggested potential heart concerns surfaced during the checks with the club’s doctors. This development has put Khalaili’s prospective move in jeopardy and opened the door for a contingency plan for the Italian giants.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, if Inter cannot seal Khalaili, their fallback option is Strasbourg’s Doué, who has long been linked with a switch to Milan in recent summers. Doué, an Ivory Coast international and the older brother of France star Désiré Doué, has been connected with Serie A on multiple occasions, including a potential move to Milan during the summer 2025 window. Inter’s interest in Doué now appears more pressing, with reports indicating that securing his signature could be more costly than securing Khalaili.
The financial dimension of Doué’s transfer is expected to be higher than what Inter perceived for Khalaili, as the latter had reportedly been closing a deal at around €25 million plus bonuses. Doué’s price tag could reflect his growing reputation and the competitive market for right-back depth in Italy’s top flight. The potential move would not only address Inter’s need for a dependable wing-back after Dumfries’ departure but would also intensify the rivalry with Milan, who have also shown interest in Doué in the past.
Beyond Doué, Inter are weighing other options as part of their strategic approach to reinforcing the position. Dodo from Fiorentina, Brook Norton-Cuffy of Genoa, and Rafik Belghali of Hellas Verona have all emerged as alternative targets in the broader search for a capable right-back solution. Each option carries its own set of implications in terms of transfer fees, contract length, and the prospective impact on Inter’s tactical setup under their current management.
From a broader perspective, Inter’s pursuit of a starting right wing-back underscores the club’s commitment to retooling their squad after losing a key defensive and attacking contributor in Dumfries. The decision to prime a bid for Khalaili or pivot to Doué reflects a pragmatic strategy to secure a player who can regularly challenge for the starting spot and provide the necessary balance to Inter’s formation. It also signals a continued willingness to engage in high-stakes negotiations within the European market, where the lines between success and setback can hinge on a single medical result, the right side of the negotiating table, or a club’s willingness to meet a player’s valuation.
As the story develops, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see whether Khalaili clears his medical and secures a move to Inter or whether Doué becomes the focal point of Inter’s efforts to fortify their defense and preserve their ambitions in both domestic and continental competition. The unfolding situation will likely have a ripple effect on Inter’s transfer strategy, potentially influencing the club’s approach to other defensive reinforcements and their overall tactical plan for the upcoming season.