Inter CEO Beppe Marotta feels hopeful that a new contract can be agreed with defender Milan Skriniar over the next couple weeks.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, the Nerazzurri executive expressed his optimism about the negotiations, noting that he is hopeful that they can meet a deadline of November 13 before the World Cup break.
Inter have made extending Skriniar’s deal a major priority.
The 27-year-old’s current contract is set to run out at the end of June 2023, and the club will not be keen for there to be any risk of losing him on a free transfer during the January transfer window.
Accordingly, the club are looking to get the negotiations with Skriniar and his representatives wrapped up before too long, with the World Cup break set as a kind of benchmark.
Inter’s talks with Skriniar and his representatives began last week, and while things started off positively, there is still a lot of work to do.
However, for his part, Marotta is optimistic that an agreement can be found before the start of the World Cup break in mid-November, giving the club plenty of breathing room.
“As far as Skriniar, who is absolutely top-class both on and off the pitch, I hope we can agree a new deal very much, and I’m very optimistic that the negotiations can reach a conclusion by November 13,” the CEO said.
“The conditions look to be positive for me to say this,” he added.
Marotta also spoke about the future of Nerazzurri wingback Robin Gosens, stating that “Gosens is part of the current German national team steup.”
“It has taken him a while to get up to speed with our style of play,” he added.
“We can’t rush it, but I’m sure he’ll find a way to fit in very well within the team’s game.”
Asked if he thinks that the team have taken a step up in the Champions League under coach Simone Inzaghi, Marotta replied “Yes, this group is made up of players who have been together for a few year, and they’re growing both in Italy and in Europe.”
“Reaching the knockout stage for the second consecutive season shows that this team has the kind of character that is needed to be worthy of the Inter badge.”
Marotta also responded to the scandalous scenes that took place at the San Siro on Saturday when Inter fans were forced to vacate the north stand by members of the Curva Nord ultras group during the second half of the team’s Serie A clash with Sampdoria.
“Yesterday we issued a very explicit statement,” the CEO said. “Inter have always fought against all kinds of physical and verbal violence, we take many initiatives.”
“I would compare it to VAR, which is trying to eradicate errors,” he continued, “we try to eradicate violence as well, but it must be collaboration with institutions.”
“Inter have some of the best supporters in the world,” Marotta said, “in terms of turnout and values.”
“Let’s look at the good things and not just the bad ones, even if Saturday was a very negative chapter for our football.”
Asked about whether he expects striker Romelu Lukaku to be back from injury before the World Cup break, Marotta responded that “There have been repercussions for many clubs,.”
“This is partly due to the rush of clubs to have players available considering that it’s an unusual season that has caused the matches between the league and the Champions League to be compressed so that we’re playing twice a week.”
“We have to manage this situation, and we can no longer think in terms of starting players and then backups, but rather of 25 players who make up the group.”
“We’re sorry about Lukaku but we’re also convinced that no matter what we have what it takes as a group to be competitive.”
Marotta was lastly asked if he is envious about Serie A rivals Napoli’s signing of breakout start Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and said that “I congratulate Giuntoli, Napoli, and Spalletti.”
“I wish good luck to Giuntoli, he’s part of the new generation of excellent young football directors.”