Is Nainggolan a missing piece for Inter Milan?

As he prepares for his medical today, former AS Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan has been heralded as a missing piece for Inter Milan by head coach Luciano Spalletti.

Nainggolan, still considered one of the best midfielders in Serie A, is expected to complete his Inter medical today and will join Inter for €24 million as Roma will obtain Davide Santon and Inter Primavera player Nicolo Zaniolo.

“He is the turbine we were missing, the extra head of steam,” Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia, as reported by Football Italia.

“The fact that the moment he was put on the market by Roma, he chose us, is very pleasing. He has everything to battle it out against any opponent. He is the Ninja.

“It also pleases players to see the masses of people who run to support Inter in every stadium, because this love goes beyond the result.”

So far this mercato, Inter has added Stefan De Vrij and Kwadwo Asamoah from Lazio and Juventus respectively, on free contract.

Both, in addition to Nainggolan, are seen to be solid pickups for the right price for Inter, who will enter the Champions League competition next season.

“I was asked if the arrival of De Vrij means we’ll move to three at the back and I can confirm that is the case,” Spalletti said.

So, it seems we can expect a backline of De Vrij, Skriniar and Miranda when the season starts.

As for Nainggolan, he would likely become the best midfield prospect for the Nerazzurri, despite the recent World Cup run of Matias Vecino and Uruguay.

Keep up on Nerazzurri transfer news and rumors here.

In fact, Football Italia have suggested, as per Mediaset Premium, that Vecino could be part of a deal to bring Chelsea’s Davide Zappacosta to Inter for Vecino. Chelsea would also pay some cash as Vecino could be valued higher than Zappacosta.

Vecino came to Inter last season for €24 million along with Borja Valero, but neither have impressed all that much during the season as much of the midfield attention switched to Barcelona loanee Rafinha in the second half of the season.

But, with the addition of Nainggolan to the roster, Inter may have the midfield playmaker and pacemaker they sought in Rafinha, at less the price.

However, does that allow them flexibility at the midfield to allow a player like Vecino — who scored three goals, including the game-winner against Lazio securing the Champions League — for the 26-year-old Zappacosta, who has struggled at Stamford Bridge?

I think Vecino has some value left for Inter and sending him off for a player like Zappacosta may not necessarily be in the best interest of Inter.

Vecino and Nainggolan could wreak some havoc in the center for Inter and prove to be a dangerous combination.

But, of course, I could be wrong.

What do you think? Post your comments below!