Inter Milan CEO Beppe Marotta has given updates about the situations with Al-Nassr linked midfielder Marcelo Brozovic as well as the Nerazzurri’s seemingly failed pursuit of Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta.
The Inter executive spoke to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews. Inter’s summer transfer window has reached a particularly frantic period in its unfolding in recent days.
At the centre is the uncertain status of the sale of Marcelo Brozovic to Al-Nassr. A move for the 30-year-old to the Saudi Pro League club has looked likely if not inevitable for some days.
However, after the Saudi team slashed their offer to Inter yesterday, things have looked much less certain.
Marotta: Inter Still In Talks With Al-Nassr For Brozovic
Updating on the situation, Marotta remarked that “Let’s say that the balance has been changed.”
“We had reached an agreement, but then they changed their offer,” he said of Al-Nassr’s last-minute about-face. “We reacted by firmly closing the door.”
But, Marotta said, “Now the negotiation can be reopened.”
He also noted that “The will of the player takes priority over the will of the buyer and seller. We have to find an agreement with the player first.”
As for what will be decisive in the talks, Marotta said that “We have to see whether Al-Nassr’s offer for him is satisfactory.”
Brozovic’s future is also linked to that of Sassuolo and Italy midfielder Davide Frattesi. Reportedly, Inter cannot move for Frattesi until they complete a sale of Brozovic.
Marotta explained that “It’s all part of the broader assessments.”
“We have to respect the idea of sustainability,” the CEO stressed. “The Frattesi deal doesn’t depend on Brozovic first of all, because we have to define our strategy. And Sassuolo can negotiate with whoever they want to.”
“Obviously he’s a player we’re interested in.”
No Denying That Inter Wanted To Sign Azpilicueta
Marotta then replied to questions about the Nerazzurri’s seemingly failed pursuit of Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta.
A deal for the 33-year-old has seemed on the way for the past week or so. However, now the Spaniard appears ready to join Atletico Madrid instead.
“I won’t deny that myself, Ausilio, and Baccin are fans of him because he has a great deal of experience in addition to his technical quality,” Marotta said of Azpilicueta. “He is in the habit of winning.”
“He represents the kind of player who’s vital in pursuing a winning culture,” the Inter CEO continued.
“However, it seems that he’s attracted by offers coming from Spain, and is considering what to do,” Marotta added. “Now it would be respectful to wait and see what he does.”
Marotta On Chelsea-Owned Striker Romelu Lukaku
Then, Marotta was asked about Chelsea-owned striker Romelu Lukaku. He replied that “When he was signed for them it was by the previous owner.
“Now we have to see whether they still consider him a part of their project or now. If not, their strategy will change.
“But they can’t think about selling him for a huge fee,” the Inter executive observed.
“The Saudi offer for him is £50 million, which is a far cry from what we got for him two years ago.”
And asked whether Man United have made an offer for Andre Onana yet, Marotta simply replied “No, Piero Ausilio is working on it.”
