In a long interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, which was aired a short time ago, Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio spoke on all things relating to Inter’s transfer market and gave a lot away with regard to potential incoming signings.
He started the interview by discussing Ivan Perisic, who is currently out on loan at Bayern Munch.
“The option to buy has already expired but we have excellent relations with Bayern and have granted them further time. We will talk about him later without problems,” Ausilio began the interview.
He then went on to discuss Mauro Icardi, who is reportedly set for Paris Saint-Germain.
“For him the situation is simpler, we are talking to Leonardo. We are trying to find the best solution. The figure was probably influenced by the crisis, so it is normal to be willing to talk about it, also because the boy wants to stay there.”
Next he discussed Radja Nainggolan, who, like Perisic and Icardi, was judged to be out of the club’s project.
“Cagliari doesn’t have an option to sign him so he will definitely come back to us. Today it is too early to talk about what will happen but together with him we will make various assessments.”
He then spoke on the futures of players currently on loan at Inter and with expiring contracts.
“The assumption is that there is the will to go on until the end of the season with everyone. We will talk about Borja Valero and Padelli’s contracts whilst we have already exercised the option to extend Young’s contract for next year.
“Alexis Sanchez? We want to focus on him in these coming months since he had done very well before his injury. After the injury he has had little time to play. He will have the opportunity to prove his worth and he wants to do well.”
He then went on to speak about Lautaro Martinez, who has been strongly linked with Barcelona and admitted that many clubs have contacted them about him.
“As far as Lautaro is concerned, there is only one road that can take him far from Inter and that is the payment of his release clause that is demanding, everyone knows that.
“The release clause has deadlines and very precise commitments. It begins on the first of July and does not last for a long time. We will not discuss or do a deal involving Lautaro in this period.
“The reason? We focus on him, he is important for the club and he still has a two-year contract with Inter. We have no intention of selling our best players. We want to keep them and this applies to Lautaro.
“Many clubs have contacted us for Lautaro. Barcelona are the most determined an we have a friendly and cordial relationship with them.
“I know that they know our intentions and that is that we have no plans to sell Lautaro Martinez. There is a clause and you have to pay it if you want him, I think I have been clear about that. There is no urgency to sell him.”
Next he spoke on highly rated Bresica and Italian national team midfielder Sandro Tonali.
“Having an Italian identity at Inter can be very important and we want to continue on this path. Tonali definitely has the qualities to play for Inter. He has all the parameters to be a Nerazzurri player but I do not know Cellino’s demands for him.”
He then went on to rule out the possibility of Timo Werner arriving at the club from RB Leipzig.
“We have always liked him but he won’t come, there are various reasons for this. I know what the boy and his representatives want. He has a release clause but he won’t come.”
He then went on to confirm that Inter are keeping tabs on Hertha Berlin attacker Mattheus Cunha.
“We know him, he has very good agents. He has been a good player from a very young age and he is now confirming that in the Bundesliga. We will follow him.”
Ausilio proceeded to discuss the media speculation relating to Paris Saint-Germain’s Edinson Cavani and spoke further on the possibility of keeping Sanchez.
“He is not a priority simply because our attacking department is made up of Martinez, Lukaku and Sanchez.
“The latter now has the opportunity to demonstrate his qualities and then we will evaluate what to do with him.
“There is also Esposito, who is good but is very young and we will see if we will send him out on loan to gain experience. If we do, we would be needing a fourth striker and Cavani is not who we have in mind.”
Next Ausilio went on to downplay the rumours linking Inter with a move for Arturo Vidal.
“Right now he is not an option. Our midfield is strong and we want to improve it through the growth of talents like Barella and Sensi and then there is Eriksen too who only needs time to settle in better.”
He then reflected on Inter’s season so far.
“We have performed beyond our expectations. We have rebuilt with a great coach in Conte and we are still in the running in three competitions.”
He concluded by sharing his view that many clubs are afraid to make moves at the moment.
“There are no low prices. In fact some have even increased. It seems to me that everyone is afraid to take the first step, I am concerned. I think it will be long and the fireworks will be in September.”
