Inter Sporting Director Piero Ausilio is hoping that there can be a positive resolution to contract extension talks with defender Milan Skriniar.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia whilst accepting the Maestrelli award, via FCInterNews, the Nerazzurri executive stressed that there can be an agreement with the 27-year-old but only if he is on the same page, and also spoke about Edin Dzeko’s situation.
Some important contract situations at Inter appear to be approaching a decisive period.
Securing the future of defender Skriniar has been a priority for some time, with negotiations having been taking place since the end of October.
Inter have had an offer on the table for the Slovakian for some time, and now they are hoping that they can get his response without much more delay.
Asked if he expects an agreement with Skriniar soon, Ausilio replied that “We all hope so, from the club directors to the fans – we hope that Skriniar is on the same page, because there needs to be agreement on both sides.”
He added that “I’m pleased to see the player behave totally calmly, motivated and focused on his work.”
“Then it’s left to us directors and his agents to take care of his situation,” he continued, “trying to progress the negotiation forward.”
“I don’t know if this will be a negotiation that’s closed by the end of the year, or in the next few days, we want to do things right.”
“Inter want Skriniar to stay for a long time,” Ausilio made clear, “and then he also has to put something into it, let’s see what happens.”
Asked whether he expects resolution in Skriniar’s contract situation or that of striker Edin Dzeko first, Ausilio replied that “I don’t know, it’s not a question of timing.”
“Dzeko still plays like a young man, he doesn’t seem like a 35-year-old, he’s an example to all the younger players and still performing at a very high level.”
“We’ll try to find a solution to reach continuity in the future together,” he added.
Asked about whether the Nerazzurri are looking at Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer as a possible free transfer opportunity, Ausilio replied “No, I’m only talking about our players.”
“I’m pleased at the possibility of agreeing contract extensions with our players, many of them are currently on expiring deals like Handanovic, D’Ambrosio, and Darmian.”
“We’ll deal with all of these in due time,” he added.
And asked about the future of wingback Robin Gosens, Ausilio said that “I’m starting to see the player from Atalanta again, he’s physically in good condition.”
“He hasn’t forgotten how to play football, he’s a top player, a German international, I’m convinced he’ll do very well at Inter.”
“He’s not on the transfer market,” the Sporting Director was clear regarding Gosens, “we made an investment in him and we believe that it won’t be too long before we see a different Gosens.”