Inter’s Sporting Director Piero Ausilio stopped by Italian broadcaster SportItalia moments ago to give an update on the Nerazzurri’s dealings on the transfer window.
The Inter Sporting Director began by talking about the relationship with Antonio Conte given the meeting held with the coach, himself, Steven Zhang, and the club’s two CEO’s Alessandro Antonello and Beppe Marotta.
“First of all, I would like to clarify a point about the coach. There was no need for any clarification with Conte, it is normal for there to be moments of confrontation.
During our last meeting we talked about several things, there is a united vision regarding the transfer market and regarding the project, which is shared by everyone at the club, we are all united.
“As far as the transfer market is concerned, it is an infinite process, in which there is neither a beginning nor an end. In any case, I want to clarify the things that we are able to do today.
“There are opportunities that we can seize and others that we cannot. The first thing we need to do, is to be able to sell and then look for opportunities, which is in line with a prudent transfer window.”
Ausilio was then asked to comment on why Inter didn’t wrap up the signings of Sandro Tonali who is on the verge of joining AC Milan.
“As far as Tonali is concerned, it should be clarified that we have never started any negotiations for him. I do not deny that we have followed him for some time and that we like him, I hope he can prove to be an excellent player for the national team as well.
“However, I repeat, we have not set up any negotiations, because as things stand today we simply cannot afford the kind of transfer deal that signing Tonali would imply.”
Ausilio was then asked to comment on the rumors that Inter are interested in signing Barcelona’s Lionel Messi but was quick to deny any such talks were either ongoing or had ever even been had in the first place.
“I will limit myself to saying that seeing Messi at Inter is simply impossible. There has never been anything to talk about, there has never been any negotiations about this whatsoever.
“It is good to clarify things once and for all, Inter cannot afford deals of this kind, the economic parameters are unapproachable for us. I hope this is the last time we talk about this negotiation that never existed.”
The discussion then shifted to current players which have been rumored to leave the Nerazzurri, namely, Lautaro Martinez, Milan Skriniar and Marcelo Brozovic.
“Skriniar is a player we have made the right investment for. He has been with us for three years and has done very well. Recently, maybe, he played less but we will continue to count on him as there are no negotiations ongoing regarding him.
“I exclude the possibility of seeing Lautaro leaving Inter. There was a possibility of activating his clause by July 7th but nothing happened, so the player will remain with us.
“Brozovic has demonstrated the wrong attitude at certain points throughout the season. Certain situations have in any case been handled internally by the club.
“He is one of those players on whom we count on. In any case we are attentive to everything that happens externally, if an offer arrives that can satisfy the player we will take that into consideration. This does not solely depend on us but also depends on the will of the player.”
Ausilio then went on to comment on the futures of Inter owned players who are out on loan like Ivan Perisic, Radja Nainggolan and Dalbert.
“They both [Nainggolan and Perisic] come from a good year and are under contract with Inter. Let’s see how they approach the team, we will give them the opportunity to return to training and to be part of the group.
“We have agreed with Conte that we will give both players a chance, let’s see in the coming days what happens.
“Dalbert and Biraghi? They are both back with their respective clubs. I don’t believe the situation will change.”
In conclusion he commented on the rumors linking Inter to Aleksandar Kolarov, Edin Dzeko, Federico Chiesa and N’Golo Kante.
“It is practically impossible to find a back-up to Lukaku. We have 4 striker, including Perisic, five with Esposito. We consider the attacking department complete.
“Dzeko? No we talked [with their agent] about Padelli, who will be part of the Nerazzurri squad again next season.
“Kolarov is the only negotiation that I can admit is ongoing. We are talking with Roma and with him, it is still in the negotiation phase, therefore nothing is definitive yet.
“Regarding Chiesa there is absolutely nothing to say. We hold him in high is esteem but we need to be realistic about the possibilities that the transfer window allows us. We also need to be honest with the fans.
“N’Golo Kante? We are talking about a deal that is impossible for Inter.”
