Marko Arnautovic has joined Red Star Belgrade as a free agent after the Austrian was made surplus to requirements by Inter Milan – but have any other Serie A stars been released this summer?
Why Did Inter Release Marko Arnautovic?
The Austrian international enjoyed a strong return to Italy from 2021-2024, donning the jersey of Bologna and Inter Milan across this three-year spell.
Prior to his return in 2021, the former West Ham star originally entered Italy’s top division with the Nerazzurri during the 2009/10 campaign after signing for the club on loan from FC Twente.
However, Arnautovic only made three appearances for Inter and each of these came in Serie A, as the Italian giants went on to win the illustrious treble.
Accumulating just 56 minutes for the first-team, Arnautovic did not technically receive any recognition and is not recorded to have picked up a winners medal for the Scudetto, Coppa Italia or Champions League.
He would then go on to play for a host of teams around Europe and then in 2019, the Austrian moved to China for around $30 million and many believed his career in Europe’s top five leagues was over.
This was short-lived, as two-years later Arnautovic returned to Italy with a move to Bologna where he contributed to 27 goals in 58 appearances (25G + 2A).
Arnautovic’s level of performance caught the eye around Italy and the veteran striker went on to return to Inter on loan for the 2023/24 season before signing on a permanent deal in 2024/25.
The former Stoke City player scored 14 goals in 62 appearances under Simone Inzaghi, while also winning the Serie A title and Supercoppa Italiana in 2023/24.
His contract with the Italian side was set to expire in June of this years and Inter decided that there was no need to renew his deal – meaning he left the club as a free agent.
According to reports, Cristian Chivu did not want to extend Arnautovic’s deal due to his age, with the Austrian turning 36 back in April and Inter have already selected a replacement – improving their recent offer for Ademola Lookman after Atalanta turned the initial bid down.
Who Has Been Released From Serie A In 2025?
A host of star players have seen their deals in Serie A come to an end this summer, with Arnautovic being one of two from Inter and leaving the club alongside Joaquin Correa.
The Argentinian did not appear to be in Chivu’s plans this season and after making 99 appearances for the Nerazzurri, Correa signed for Brazilian side Botafogo as a free agent.
Another Serie A side that released a duo of stars is Atalanta, as Juan Cuadrado and Rafael Toloi both saw their deals in Bergamo end and are now on the hunt for a new club.
Pietro Terracciano parted ways with Roma after his contract in the Italian capital expired and the goalkeeper joined Serie rivals, AC Milan, as he continues his career in Italy.
Lazio saw a trio of top players leave, as Andre Anderson, Gaetano Castrovilli and Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro are all still available as a free agent following their release.
Maurizio Sarri’s side are huge outsiders to qualify for Europe on Serie A betting sites following their transfer embargo and will be relying on their current squad to compete this season.
Lastly, AC Milan waved goodbye to three big names in Italian soccer as Davide Calabria, Luka Jovic and Alessandro Florenzi all entered the free agency market.
