Inter are preparing to tie down three key players to new contracts, according to a report in the Italian media today.
Il Giorno’s print edition said the Nerazzurri were ready to meet Lautaro Martinez, Alessandro Bastoni and Stefan de Vrij’s agents and finalise the agreements they had put in place during previous weeks.
Inter will then proceed to discuss a contract extension for Nicolo Barella, as they bid to keep all of their most important players at the club in the summer.
Antonio Conte will meet Inter president Steven Zhang before the end of the season to map out Inter’s plans for the upcoming transfer window.
Inter’s boss will ask Zhang for support and clarity in terms of Suning’s projects for the club, with Conte aiming to defend the Serie A title (assuming Inter win it this season) and make progress in Europe next season.
The Nerazzurri need five reinforcements if they are to make their squad more competitive, according to this report, including a back-up striker to Romelu Lukaku and a goalkeeper who can become Samir Handanovic’s long-term replacement.
Inter would also need to sign a left-footed wing-back, a rapid central defender and an understudy to Marcelo Brozovic in midfield.
Zhang wants to reduce the club’s wage bill as a priority though, which means Ashley Young and Aleksandar Kolarov will both be released in the summer.
Andrea Ranocchia and Danilo D’Ambrosio are also out of contract and face uncertain futures, while Arturo Vidal could be offloaded if ‘an important offer’ arrived.
