The decision to go after – and sign – Keita Balde over Arturo Vidal had a lot to do with Inter manager Luciano Spalletti as per a report from Corriere dello Sport.
Spalletti wanted a new reinforcement for the attack over one for the midfield, even though Inter were trying to land Luka Modric having being tipped off about his potential availability by his agents.
The report from the Rome based newspaper goes on to state that Spalletti wanted Keita specifically because he lost the Derby della Capitale to a Keita wonder class before.
During his official presentation as an Inter player yesterday, the Senegalese attacker spoke on the importance of Spalletti being at Inter helping him make his decision about joining the Nerazzurri from Monaco.
🎙️ | @keitabalde14: "Spalletti has great experience and I can improve a lot under him. Everyone has spoken very highly of the Coach and I'm pleased to be working with him. My role? I don't have a preferred position. For me, it's important to play and do well."#WelcomeKeita pic.twitter.com/YBpeBo9gnJ
— Inter (@Inter_en) August 23, 2018