Arnautovic at Inter Milan: a striker in search of redemption
Struggles, competition, and the need for more: Can Arnautovic turn his season around?
Marko Arnautovic's current situation at Inter Milan is far from accidental, but it’s clear he needs to step up his game.
The Austrian striker has struggled to carve out a significant role in Simone Inzaghi’s team, where competition in the attacking department is fierce.
Having joined Inter Milan two summers ago for €11 million (£ 9.2 million) from Bologna, Arnautovic has yet to fully justify the club’s investment.
This analysis comes from Italian newspaper Il Corriere dello Sport, which reviews his journey during this second stint with the Nerazzurri.
In his first year back at Inter Milan, the 35-year-old had an inconsistent season, scoring 7 goals and providing 3 assists across all competitions.
His progress was hindered by recurring hamstring injuries and evident frustrations, reflecting emotional fragilities that impacted his performances.
So, what isn’t working this season? For one, the competition has intensified.
Mehdi Taremi’s arrival as a free agent from Porto and Joaquin Correa’s unexpected return, following Marseille’s decision not to exercise their purchase option, have created a crowded forward lineup.
Moreover, displacing Simone Inzaghi’s key players, Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram, is no small feat. In just 163 minutes of play this season, Arnautovic has managed to score only once, in the Champions League. To secure a more prominent role, he will need to deliver much more.