Inter Milan CEO Beppe Marotta has issued updates on Alexis Sanchez, Joaquin Correa, and Romelu Lukaku.
Speaking to the RadioTV Serie A broadcast, via FCInterNews, the Nerazzurri executive fielded questions on several players and subjects, including stating that Chelsea striker Lukaku “went his own way” and isn’t likely to return to Serie A this summer.
Inter still have more than a week to go in the summer transfer window.
It has already been a frantic summer for the Nerazzurri. There’s been upheaval in every position in the squad.
And even players who haven’t joined Inter, like Lukaku and Lazar Samardzic, have been at the centre of dramatic soap operas.
There’s still time for Inter to make one or two more signings. And in fact, the expectation is that they will do just that.
Marotta Confirms Inter Working To Sign Benjamin Pavard
Possibly the final big transfer saga of Inter’s summer confirms their pursuit of Bayern Munich and France defender Benjamin Pavard.
Reports suggest that the Nerazzurri are closing in on a move for the 27-year-old.
Asked if the move could be made official today, Marotta replied “Not today, no.”
“But we’re in a good position,” he continued regarding the talks.
“We have an obligation to be ambitious and aim high,” Marotta continued. “We can’t do everything that we want to, but we don’t want to deceive the fans despite being accused of it.”
Inter CEO On Correa & Alexis Sanchez
Regarding links with a surprise return for Alexis Sanchez, Marotta said that “It could happen.”
He noted that the Chilean represents an “opportunity” on a free transfer.
And regarding the situation of Joaquin Correa, who would likely have to leave to make way for Sanchez, Marotta admitted that “Sometimes when a player doesn’t play on the weekend, he wants a transfer away.”
“Correa wants chances to play,” the Inter CEO continued.
“So he’s talking with [Inter Sporting Director Piero] Ausilio about it. If he says he wants to leave, we’ll do our best to find a solution for him.”
“We’re happy with the possibility of Sanchez returning,” Marotta continued.
“When he left, he did so reluctantly,” he said of the 34-year-old. “And now he’s sending positive messages about a return.”
Marotta On Lukaku & Arnautovic
Regarding Chelsea striker Lukaku, who had looked set for a move back to Inter this summer before things dramatically collapsed, Marotta admitted that “The whole Lukaku situation left us very disappointed.”
“Now it’s only right that he’ll go his own way, and we’ll go ours.”
“Now he doesn’t have many alternatives left,” Marotta took a dig at the Belgian striker.
“I don’t think he’ll come to Italy,” the Nerazzurri CEO predicted. “There are only ten days left in the window. Then again, I don’t know the dynamics within Chelsea.”
And regarding the Nerazzurri’s signing of Arnautovic Marotta said “We had other names on our shortlist [for a striker] too.”
“But we didn’t seal the deal for any of them, and we decided to go with Arnautovic. Sorry to have taken him from Bologna.”
And Marotta also reflected on the transfer market after a summer that’s seen Inter lose out on players like Lukaku, Samardzic, and Gianluca Scamacca, leaving a potentially bitter taste.
“These days I don’t lose any sleep over players who don’t respect their word,” the Inter CEO said. The meaning of his remark was hardly lost.
“In this day and age, the values in football are different. So are the financial conditions of clubs.”
“So we just have to adapt to it,” Marotta said.
Marotta On Cuadrado & UCL Final
Of the arrival of Juan Cuadrado, a controversial transfer considering the Colombian’s history with Juventus, Marotta explained the rationale.
“Cuadrado brings with him a culture of winning, that can be useful for us,” he said.
He made the analogy, “When Pirlo arrived at Juve, he had a long history of winning trophies with Milan. That kind of thing is important. Cuadrado has also won a lot.”
The Nerazzurri CEO noted that “That culture of winning is also growing in us.”
“The important thing is to have a blend of youth and experience. And then the locker room leaders can also help the young players grow.”
And on the Nerazzurri’s run to the Champions League final last season, Marotta said that “Some favourable circumstances went our way. But you never get there by chance.”
