Inter are in advanced talks with Lautaro Martinez and Alessandro Bastoni over contract extensions, a leading Italian journalist confirmed today.
Both players were crucial for the Nerazzurri in last night’s 1-0 win over Atalanta, with Antonio Conte reserving special praise for Lautaro after a selfless defensive display.
Nicolo Barella is also rumoured to be set for a new deal but it appears the former Cagliari midfielder may need to wait a little longer.
Speaking to FcInter1908.it today, La Repubblica’s Franco Vanni explained: “From what they’ve told me at Inter, the talks with Lautaro and Bastoni are much more advanced.
“For Barella it seems there isn’t such a hurry, and there could be many reasons for this.
“But the most advanced negotiations are those concerning Lautaro and Bastoni.”
Inter are incapable of finalising any contract extensions at the moment, as per multiple reports in Italy over recent weeks, due to the club’s well-documented financial problems.
Lautaro, Bastoni and Barella all represent key figures for the Nerazzurri though and it seems unlikely they will let any of them slip through their fingers.
Barella has proved himself particularly special under Conte this season, with lots of speculation that the 24-year-old could succeed Samir Handanovic and become Inter’s next captain.
Vanni also gave Inter a piece of advice regarding Conte’s future, following rumours he could leave should Suning sell to new owners.
“If I were Inter I’d give Conte one more year on his contract but I wouldn’t tie myself down to his salary for another three years,” he said.
“I don’t think that does any good for anyone.”
