Inter Milan is strategizing a succession plan for Denzel Dumfries, with Italian media highlighting Marco Palestra and Rafik Belghali as the leading candidates as the club looks ahead to the summer transfer window.
Following the Supercoppa semi-final loss to Bologna, president Giuseppe Marotta addressed Inter’s approach for the upcoming winter transfer window.
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“I’m not dismissing any possibilities, but our squad adequately meets the coach’s requirements,” he stated.
“Alongside Ausilio and Baccin, we will assess our options. However, this is primarily a repair market, and there’s nothing that requires repair. Genuine opportunities to enhance the current squad’s quality are limited.”
Inter Exploring Temporary Internal Solutions with Palestra & Belghali in Mind for Summer
GENOA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 29: Rafik Belghali of Hellas Verona celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Hellas Verona FC at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
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With Dumfries expected to be out until March, Corriere dello Sport reports, according to FCInter1908, Inter prefers to focus on internal solutions for now and make moves in June.
The primary target is Palestra, despite his rising market value.
Atalanta is reportedly seeking around €40 million for the wing-back, who is currently on loan at Cagliari.
“For Inter, this would be an acquisition beyond Oaktree’s financial parameters,” the report states.
This implies that a special agreement or adjusted terms may be necessary.
As a backup option, Belghali is gaining interest.
The Hellas Verona winger comes at “a considerably more attractive price,” making him a viable consideration if he maintains his strong early-season performance, according to Corriere.
He is also on the radar of Juventus.
Nevertheless, his commitments for the Africa Cup of Nations align with Inter’s intention to wait until summer for a definitive move.