10 Players Inter Milan Should Target For Champions League Dominance
Inter Milan's victory in the Champions League last season was attributed more towards the brilliance of coach Jose Mourinho than the team's quality.
With Rafa Benitez now in charge of the Nerazzurri, the European champions will be keen to prove their treble winning exploits were no flash in the pan.
Last week, Mario Balotelli quit the San Siro for Roberto Mancini's Manchester City in search of regular team football. So who all are Inter likely to turn towards now to boost their ranks?
10. Gareth Bale
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The Tottenham left-back has been in spectacular form for the London club and Inter were reportedly following the Welshman in the winter transfer window.
The likelihood of Bale joining the Nerazzurri however, is very less particularly as he is such a key element to Harry Redknapp's team.
With Tottenham's Champions League participation this season, Bale will gain valuable experience and may be considered again by Inter next season.
9. Michel Bastos
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Michel Bastos is another option at left-back that Inter could do with. The European champions have the world's best full-back in Maicon on the right but it is on the left that they may have a few problems.
Javier Zanetti is an old warhorse but it is unlikely that the veteran Argentine can play an entire season as a full back and Bastos will provide one of the best alternatives for the Milan outfit.
Bastos is fast and has an excellent shot and delivery. AC Milan are also rumored to be interested in the Brazilian so if Inter want him, they better act quickly.
8. Juan Manuel Vargas
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Juan Manuel Vargas remains Inter's best option to fill that void at left-back.
The Peruvian is an excellent crosser of the ball and his experience in Serie A and the Champions League with Fiorentina make him a very attractive option.
His price tag is what has kept away most of the big clubs from trying their luck, as the Viola have slapped a €25 million price tag on his head.
7. Lassana Diarra
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It was suggested earlier this summer that Diarra might become excess baggage at Real Madrid, after the Blancos went on another signing spree.
The arrival of Sami Khedira and possibly even that of Mesut Ozil may restrict the Frenchman's playing time, at Inter however, he will face a similar problem as Esteban Cambiasso will be ahead of of him.
However, Inter are left short on quality if Cambiasso is to be injured and with Diarra's ability to foray forward, he would contribute a lot to the team.
6. Giovani Dos Santos
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Dos Santos is coming back from an excellent World Cup with Mexico where he showcased the skills and talent that made Tottenham pay €6 million to take him from Barcelona.
He has not enjoyed the best of relationships with manager Harry Redknapp during his time in London, and has often been criticised for a lackadaisical attitude during practices.
He was loaned out twice last season, and his participation this one is under a small cloud as well. At Inter he may find the right environment to grow and could be a useful tool in the midfield for Benitez.
5. Yoann Gourcuff
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Gourcuff is probably out of Inter's reach at the moment after signing for Bordeaux only last season, but tempting him back to Milan may be Moratti's greatest coup ever.
In the vivid Inter-AC Milan history names like Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf and others stand out due to the success they enjoyed with the red half of Milan after being sold by the Nerazzurri.
Gourcuff who was with Milan for three seasons may be Inter's chance for revenge. The Frenchman has been in dazzling for in France scoring 24 goals and providing 25 assists in his last two seasons.
His all round qualities include a powerful long distance shot and with Wesley Sneijder he could make opponents sweat just at the thought of taking to the field against them.
4. Javier Mascherano
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Mascherano makes this list purely because Inter have been known to be following him for the duration of the summer.
The Argentine is very similar in his characteristics to Cambiasso and if signed, the two would make a most destructive team in the midfield.
But with Liverpool unwilling to relent on the price of their midfielder, signing him represents a difficult scenario. The funds earned from the Balotelli sale however, may just be enough to pry him away from Anfield.
3. Giuseppe Rossi
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You lose an Italian, you buy an Italian. Rossi has been in great form for Villarreal over the last three seasons scoring 45 goals in just over 120 games for the club.
The Spanish side have not been keen to sell him, but an offer around €20 million, might be enough to convince them.
Rossi's strengths lie in the fact that he is young (only 23) and he gives Inter that extra acting bite while going forward.
If one of Samuel Eto'o, Diego Milito or Goran Pandev is to get injured, Rossi represents an excellent backup option and gives Benitez other options should the team fail to connect.
2. Robinho
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Robinho remains Inter's best bet to fill in Balotelli's shoes. The Brazilian has said a few times already that life in the Eastlands is not for him.
But City are eager to recoup some of the £35 million they paid for him two summers ago and hence sending him back to Santos is an unlikely option.
At Inter he comes to a team with quite a few Brazilians and South Americans and one he will adjust to rather easily.
In South Africa and also for Santos, Robinho returned to his former terrorizing self and such kind of creativity is what Inter desperately lack.
A loan deal may just be the best choice for both parties involved with the option of buying the player outright at the end of the current season.
1. Sergio 'Kun' Aguero
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Aguero looks to be the ideal man for Inter and Rafa Benitez. The Argentine forward was reportedly followed by Benitez during his Liverpool days and is admired by patron Massimo Moratti as well.
Aguero's diminutive stature allow him to wriggle in between defenders - a characteristic that Inter's current crop of forwards lack due to their well built frames.
At just 22, he is a very handy investment for the future and his performances for Atletico have seen him score 67 goals in the last three seasons.
He can play on the flanks too and the only deterrent for Inter will be Atletico's asking price which is said to be close to €30million.
