Former Inter striker Alessandro Altobelli believes that Inter have reduced the gap between themselves and arch rivals Juventus with their transfer market business.
“Last year Inter finished second and this year they are making excellent signings, the gap has narrowed a lot. The new arrivals were designed to make Inter win immediately and to annoy Juve as much as possible,” he told Italian news outlet PassioneInter.com.
“In fact, initially there was talk of players such as Chiesa and Tonali, but then already established players arrived even with a certain age. This is because Conte wants to be up to it, he wants to win. He wants people who are already experienced.”
The former Italian national team forward was then asked whether Inter’s newest recruit Arturo Vidal the right player to take the team to the next level.
“Conte knows him very well. We also saw at Barcelona what he is able to do, he already knows our league, he is perfect for Antonio’s game. He can play instead of Eriksen and as a mezzala. He scores and assists, he’s versatile.”
Next Altobelli spoke on whether he would keep any of Radja Nainggolan, Ivan Perisic and Joao Mario, who have all recently returned from loan spells elsewhere.
“With my eyes closed I would hold on to both Perisic and Nainggolan. Ivan won the treble with Bayern, almost always playing a starter.
“Nainggolan? It is true that at Inter he let himself go a bit, but when he went to Cagliari he showed what he is still capable of, he can also cover different roles. With the arrival of Vidal, the door is a bit closed on him but I would keep players like them in the squad.”
Altobelli was then asked whether it would be right for Inter to sell Christian Eriksen in the event that an adequate offer arrives for him.
“He only arrived in January, then Covid came and he did not always find space. It is logical that if there were any offers, Inter would do well to give him away, because if he found little space last year, this year he will find even less.
“I saw Eriksen in England, where he did well, here he struggles more, even though in recent matches he has shown himself to be a good player.”
Next he was asked about what he is expecting from Lautaro Martinez this coming season with it now looking almost certain that he will stay with the club despite him being strongly linked with a move away in recent months.
“I admired a truly extraordinary player last season. He has technique, class and he scores and scores. This year I only expect him to improve.
“He is perfect with Lukaku, they complement each other, they are not just looking for a personal goal, they are looking for and helping each other, they are an extraordinary partnership.”
In conclusion Altobelli was asked whether is expecting Inter to do anything more before the transfer window closes at the start of next month.
“We are witnessing a market in which Inter are slowly bringing home something. Inter are still looking for Kante, whom Conte wants. It is not over yet but we have seen that first some sales will be needed.”
