Inter begin their Serie A title defence against Monza on Saturday, but the question hanging over the club is whether captain Lautaro Martinez will still be there when the transfer window closes. Reports from Spain and Argentina have linked Barcelona with a bid exceeding €100 million for the Argentine striker, and the speculation intensified enough that coach Cristian Chivu was pressed on the matter in his pre-match press conference. His response was telling. Chivu insisted the club wants to keep their captain, but added that "the transfer market is always a bastard," stopping short of the guarantee reporters were pushing for. It is the kind of answer that will do little to calm supporters.

Off the pitch, Inter have been busy reshaping their squad. The arrival of Curtis Jones from Liverpool for €35 million, a pursuit that stretched back to January, completes a midfield that already includes Calhanoglu, Barella, Zielinski, Mkhitaryan and Sucic. That depth now raises questions about Filip Stankovic's future, with his place in the squad looking increasingly difficult to justify. Davide Frattesi has already departed for Lazio, and further exits are expected before the window shuts. Defenders John Stones and Djed Spence have come in to strengthen the backline after Dumfries left.

For the Monza opener, Chivu has no injury concerns, though Mkhitaryan serves a suspension. The fitness of Lautaro and Thuram, both late returners from the World Cup, adds another layer of uncertainty to the team selection. Inter won their final pre-season friendly 1-0 against Real Betis, with Stones scoring on debut. The champions go into the new campaign as clear favourites, but the Lautaro situation gives the opening weekend an uneasy backdrop.