Inter Open to Hakan Çalhanoglu Exit as Marotta Responds to Transfer Tension

Inter Milan president Giuseppe Marotta has confirmed the club will not stand in the way if Hakan Çalhanoglu wants to leave, after growing speculation about the midfielder’s future and fresh interest from Galatasaray.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Marotta addressed recent comments from Inter captain Lautaro Martínez, who spoke about players not wanting to stay at the club. Marotta clarified that Lautaro’s message was directed at Çalhanoglu, saying, “We will speak with Hakan. If there will be conditions to part ways, we will do it with zero problems.” Recent reports indicate Çalhanoglu has informed Inter of his wish to join Galatasaray this summer, though the Turkish club has yet to make a formal offer. Inter’s stance remains that they will only consider selling if a suitable bid arrives since Çalhanoglu has one year left on his contract until 2027 and is considered a key player for their project.

ÇALHANOGLU’S IMPORTANCE TO INTER

Çalhanoglu has been a vital part of Inter’s squad since joining from AC Milan in 2021. As of the end of the 2024/25 season, he has scored 10 goals and registered 15 assists in 182 games for the Nerazzurri, helping them win Serie A once, the Coppa Italia, and three Supercoppa Italiana titles. In the most recent campaign, he was again central to Inter’s midfield, with multiple goals and assists as Inter finished second in Serie A, narrowly missing out on the title. His creativity and set-piece ability have made him a fan favorite and a consistent starter.

WHAT NEXT FOR INTER AND ÇALHANOGLU?

With preseason training approaching and Inter set to face Fiorentina in their Serie A opener in just over a month, the club must quickly resolve Çalhanoglu’s future. Galatasaray’s interest is concrete, but their current valuation does not match Inter’s asking price, and no formal bid has been lodged. If Çalhanoglu leaves, replacing his influence will be a challenge, especially as rumors suggesting Nicolò Rovella as a replacement have met a lukewarm response from fans. Inter are eager to reclaim the title after losing it in the last matchday to Napoli last season. Galatasaray, meanwhile, recently secured another first-place finish in the Turkish Süper Lig and will hope to reunite with their former youth product as they push for another title next season.