Inter owners Suning are increasingly confident that they will be able to meet any outstanding club debts over the coming weeks, but would require a definitive agreement on a sale by June.
The Chinese retail firm are battling mounting debts and pressure to either sell the club or bring investment in, with British private equity BC Partners and American investment fund Fortress amongst the competitors.
As reported in today’s newspaper edition of Corriere dello Sport, Suning are unconcerned about the threat of not being granted a licence by UEFA to feature in European competition due to outstanding debts.
Indeed, Inter are expected to be able to pay off those fees, including a €10 million instalment to Real Madrid as part of the transfer of Achraf Hakimi last summer. This would be done either by obtaining €55m owed from sponsors in Asia, or more likely, through investment.
Although BC Partners remain the frontrunners, the British group are yet to strike an agreement and have been looking into other European clubs. Saudi Arabian investment fund PIF are also a possibility and would be willing to take on Inter’s debts, whilst Fortress are thought to be in discussions over a minority stake in the club.
Suning are keen to have an outcome by June however, as they plan for next season and also look to obtain funds to buy back the 31.1% shares of the club owned by minority partner LionRock.
