Inter are in choppy waters and Suning must act fast to stop the boat sinking completely, if reports in Italy today are to be believed.
According to Corriere dello Sport’s print edition, Inter president Steven Zhang alarmed players on Monday when he requested they gave up two months’ wages to ease the club’s financial problems.
Inter’s players were not surprised by the proposal to take a wage cut, because that had already been leaked in the media, but they were very disappointed that Zhang did not offer a clear vision for the club’s future.
The key figures in the squad are now said to be in the same position as Antonio Conte, in the sense that they will ask to leave if Suning do not explain where the club is heading from next season.
Inter’s players might even be prepared to make financial sacrifices to help Suning, the Rome-based paper explained, but only if they know what the sacrifice is going towards.
In order to prevent a mass exodus away from the club in the summer, Suning must change their approach and be clearer with everyone about what their plans are.
Inter’s stars are attracting intention from various top clubs now, with Manchester City and Chelsea both interested in pursuing a deal for Romelu Lukaku.
Lukaku would be happy to stay with the Nerazzurri, but things could change if he has no idea where the club is going from next season.
Lautaro Martinez is wanted by Real Madrid while Achraf Hakimi is being linked with Bayern Munich, and Pep Guardiola’s interest in Alessandro Bastoni at Manchester City is no secret either.
Suning’s strategy will be key in determining the futures of all these players, although Inter intend to try and offload high earners like Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez first.
Marcelo Brozovic, Milan Skriniar and Stefan de Vrij could also be sacrificed as ‘less irreplaceable first-choice players’, but ultimately everything will depend on what offers Inter receive (and for who) in the transfer window.