Kristjan Asllani Chooses Torino Move as Negotiations with Inter Continue

Kristjan Asllani is close to joining Torino after choosing them over Bologna. Talks continue to finalize personal terms with Inter.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Albanian midfielder Kristjan Asllani prefers to transfer to Torino instead of Bologna this summer. Inter are talking to both clubs, but discussions with Bologna stopped because they couldn’t match Asllani’s demand of €2 million per season. Torino stepped in, and the player believes it’s the best career move. Personal terms are still being discussed, but all sides want a quick deal before the Serie A season starts. Last season, Asllani struggled for first-team minutes at Inter, making 19 Serie A appearances, mostly as a substitute, with one goal and one assist.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Asllani was seen as a future starter at Inter after his €15.7 million move from Empoli, but he had limited playtime behind Hakan Calhanoglu and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Inter finished second in Serie A, using Asllani mostly as a substitute. Inter Milan ended the last Serie A season as runner-ups, finishing just behind Napoli. Torino, who finished 10th, are rebuilding for a higher finish. Bologna, placed ninth and qualified for Europe via their Coppa Italia win, wanted Asllani but withdrew due to his salary demands.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

The focus is on completing the transfer before Serie A’s first weekend. If finalized, Asllani might debut for Torino versus his parent team, Inter Milan for the Serie A opener. Torino aim for a strong start to close the gap with teams like eighth-placed Lazio. Inter will focus on finding replacements and strengthening their midfield before their league campaign starts, as they aim to win the title under new coach Cristian Chivu. Meanwhile, Torino have a verbal agreement with Napoli for Vanja Milinković-Savić and will look for other options in midfield. Bologna, having signed full-back Nadir Zortea, will look for options to bolster their squad further.