Desperately seeking midfielders: Is Inter Milan in the market for more?

So, looking back over the mercato, there is a lot of talk over Inter Milan’s activity — or what some would call a lack thereof.

You have Daniele Padelli as a backup to Samir Handanovic in goal and defender Milan Skriniar.

But, the intrigue comes with the most recent signings for the Nerazzurri. That intrigue doesn’t come because of them separately, but together and potential deals the Inter management may be looking at.

First, you have 30-year-old midfielder Borja Valero. The Fiorentina mainstay had a turbulent last few weeks with the Viola as club management called him out and even the fan base started to rise up against owners to the point those owners suggested if fans could do it better, they could take a shot.

In all, Valero is a solid addition for Inter. His command of the midfield and experience could be a nice asset both on and off the field. Utilizing Valero as a locker room leader could be just what Luciano Spalletti needs as he enters into his Inter experiment.

Then, you have fellow Fiorentina midfielder Matias Vecino. Continuing the Florence sell-off, the Uruguayan put up little fight to leave Florence for Milan, signing a four-year deal to make the move.

Keep up on Nerazzurri transfer news and rumors here.

If you look at the Inter midfield, you have Valero, Vecino, Joao Mario — who has shown signs of being a versatile and strong attacking option — Marcelo Brozovic — who has done little if anything to really impress anyone — Geoffrey “Own Goal” Kondogbia, Roberto Gagliardini — who, like Mario, could be a very strong option in the center, or could be a hindrance — and Assane Gnoukouri — another that has done little to nothing to show what he can or can’t do.

Which leads to the latest mercato news that Bayern Munich’s Arturo Vidal is interested in leaving the defending Bundesliga champions for the San Siro.

If Inter’s interest is legit, the question is why?

While Skriniar, Valero and Vecino are solid signings, they aren’t that big name the club and its Chinese owners are looking for during this summer transfer. Vidal certainly does meet that bill.

He has experience in Italy after featuring for Juventus and doesn’t seem to oppose any move to Inter as he is likely to get better exposure under Spalletti than he would under Carlo Ancelotti.

Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images

While Valero, Vecino and Mario have potential to be strong in the center, Kondogbia brings more questions as does Gagliardini. Brozovic and Gnoukouri are so unknown at this point, it is almost better to just write them off. So, with only three options at midfield, Vidal could be that fourth that gives Spalletti depth and makes it a lot easier to send Brozovic off to a club that might get use out of him.

Vidal and Valero could also provide much-needed field general-ship the Nerazzurri and Spalletti need. Vidal is much like Radja Nainggolan in terms of his play on the field. In fact, he is likely better and Spalletti succeeded with Nainggolan at Roma.

The question becomes whether Bayern Munich can be convinced to part with the Chilean. The Germans recently acquired Sebastian Rudy from Hoffenheim and have Corentin Tolisso and both could fill Vidal’s shoes … to an extent … but to and extent that Ancelotti and Bayern may be willing to see Vidal off to Italy.

About €55 million to €60 million would likely do it, but is Inter and Suning willing to spend that much? As well as offer more than €7 million in salary per year?

I don’t know the legitimacy of the talk, but if it were true I could see way worse potential signings the Nerazzurri could make this mercato.