Inter are expected to receive a decisive update within the next 48 hours on the fitness of new signing Anan Khalaili, whose registration remains on hold pending additional medical assessments.
The 22-year-old Israeli winger is due to undergo further tests today and tomorrow after Italy’s sports medicine authorities requested additional examinations following concerns raised during his initial medical on Friday. The final decision on his sporting eligibility is expected once the Institute of Sports Medicine completes its evaluation.
Inter can do little but await the outcome. Should Khalaili be granted medical clearance, the transfer will proceed as planned. However, if he is not deemed eligible, he is expected to return to Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, where he has spent the past two seasons.
The Nerazzurri are already preparing a contingency plan. Following Denzel Dumfries’s anticipated move to Real Madrid and after missing out on Palestra, who opted to join Chelsea, Inter have identified Guela Doué as their leading alternative.
The 23-year-old Strasbourg defender, who featured for Ivory Coast at the FIFA World Cup, is highly regarded by Inter’s recruitment team. Comfortable as both a right-back and wing-back, Doué offers a more defensive profile than Khalaili and is also attracting interest from AC Milan and several other European clubs.
French club RC Strasbourg Alsace are understood to value Doué at around €40 million, significantly higher than the €25 million plus bonuses Inter were prepared to invest in Khalaili.
Inter are expected to make a firm move for Doué should Khalaili fail to obtain medical clearance in the coming days.
