Inter CEO Beppe Marotta feels optimistic about the contract extension negotiations with defender Milan Skriniar, if grounded in reality.

Speaking to Italian broadcaster DAZN, via FCInterNews, the executive gave his thoughts on the transfer market and particularly Skriniar’s situation after watching his side beat Napoli 1-0 in Serie A.

Marotta and the rest of Inter’s directors have been working to agree a new contract with defender Skriniar.

The 27-year-old is an important player for the Nerazzurri, as he once again proved with his display at the back against the Partenopei, and the club would certainly not want to lose a player of his quality on a free transfer.

The fact that no agreement has been reached despite the negotiations having gone on for more than two months at this point could be a worry.

For his part, however, Marotta is remaining that the club and player can come together on a contract extension.

“As far as Skriniar, there are dynamics that are typical in the world of football,” he stressed, “other teams are also in these kinds of negotiations.”

“Milan deserves to be here in the present, and for the future, we’ve given him our offer and we hope that we can conclude negotiations soon.”

“I’m always optimistic in life, though in this case we also have to be realistic,” the director said, “we can do a lot, but not the impossible.”

Of the January transfer market, Marotta said that “In football the market synonymous with creativity, but these considerations are more for the summer transfer window.”

“In January we go into the market mainly to patch the squad up, there aren’t always opportunities to sign players up to the level of the squad.”

“The players we have we are completely happy with,” he continued, “they deserve total respect.”

“And then, we’ll see if any opportunities arise.”