Inter have identified recently capped Italy international Alessandro Romano as their preferred midfield signing should Hakan Calhanoglu leave the club, according to reports in La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The 20-year-old has emerged as one of the early breakthrough players of the 2026-27 Serie A season after joining Cagliari from Roma on loan with an obligation to buy during the summer.
Romano has played only five Serie A matches for Cagliari, but made an immediate impression by scoring on his debut from central midfield. His performances earned him a first call-up to Roberto Mancini’s Italy squad during the extended September-October international break.
The midfielder represented Switzerland at youth level before changing his international allegiance in September. He won his first Italy cap last week in a disappointing 2-0 defeat by Belgium.
His progress has already attracted attention from several of Serie A’s leading clubs, while reports earlier this week also indicated interest from Premier League sides.
Inter’s interest is especially strong because Calhanoglu’s future remains uncertain. The Turkey international is under contract until June 30 and has been linked with Galatasaray and Fenerbahce for several seasons.
Calhanoglu is among Inter’s higher earners and will turn 33 in February, factors which could persuade the club that the end of the 2026-27 season is the appropriate time to sanction his departure.
Inter could also consider selling Aleksandar Stankovic, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. The 21-year-old has had few opportunities with the Nerazzurri since returning from Club Brugge over the summer.
During the summer transfer window, there were reports that Brentford had made a €40m offer for Stankovic.
The possible departures of both Calhanoglu and Stankovic would make a new midfield signing a much stronger possibility. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Romano is the player Inter would most like to bring to San Siro.
Romano’s situation at Cagliari is understood to be central to his growing appeal. Despite his limited senior experience, his early-season performances and rapid progress at international level have placed him on the radar of a number of major European clubs.
Inter’s interest would give the player another option to consider when his loan spell and permanent move from Roma are assessed, although the Nerazzurri’s plans depend largely on decisions over Calhanoglu and Stankovic.
