The Turkish international is an important part of Cristian Chivu’s plans, but Inter must now decide whether to extend his contract before he enters the final year of his current agreement.
Calhanoglu’s representative, Gordon Stipic, is expected to meet new Inter sporting director Dario Baccin in the coming weeks for an initial discussion about the midfielder’s future.
Inter Milan are keen to avoid allowing the situation to run down without an agreement, although the club is also assessing Calhanoglu’s physical record.
The midfielder has missed a number of matches through injury in recent seasons and is currently sidelined with an adductor problem.
The financial terms will be central to the negotiations.
Calhanoglu currently earns around €6.5 million net per season. The proposal under consideration is understood to involve a two-year extension on a reduced salary of €4.5m plus bonuses.
That represents a significant difference between the midfielder’s current package and the figure reportedly being considered by Inter.
His performances nevertheless remain an important factor in the club’s thinking. Calhanoglu has already scored twice in four appearances this season, reinforcing his importance to Chivu’s midfield.
Inter therefore face a balance between maintaining one of their principal technical players and structuring a contract that reflects their assessment of his age, fitness and future contribution.
The uncertainty has also attracted interest from elsewhere.
Galatasaray are among the clubs monitoring developments, with Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş also reported to be attentive to the former AC Milan midfielder’s situation.
Juventus have followed Calhanoglu in recent months and could consider making an approach if negotiations over a new Inter contract fail to progress.
The midfielder’s current agreement gives Inter time to find a solution, but the club does not want to reach the final months of his contract without clarity.
Baccin’s first task will be to establish the demands of Calhanoglu’s representatives and determine whether there is sufficient room for both sides to reach an agreement.
For Calhanoglu, the next discussions will help determine whether his future remains in Milan beyond 2027 or whether interest from Turkey and elsewhere could develop into a genuine alternative.
With his contract still running for another season beyond the current campaign, there is no immediate decision required. But the opening discussions could set the direction of one of Inter’s most significant contract situations.