Inter Milan CEO Beppe Marotta doesn’t hide that the Nerazzurri are “testing the waters” to sign Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski.

Speaking to Italian broadcaster DAZN, via FCInterNews, the Nerazzurri executive also updated on the contract extension situations at the club.

In recent days, rumours regarding Zielinski joining Inter have become more intense than ever.

The Polish international has all but confirmed that he will not be extending his contract with Napoli at the end of June.

And Inter are the team who look set to sign the Napoli midfielder. The Nerazzurri have reportedly already officially informed the Partenopei of their intentions.

It has now gotten to the point where Inter CEO Marotta is making no real effort to hide the fact that the interest is very much there – although the executive stops short of confirming anything just yet.

Inter CEO Marotta Confirms Interest In Piotr Zielinski

Marotta noted that “I spoke with [Napoli President Aurelio] De Laurentiis.”

“I told him that we’re testing the waters, in compliance with the rules.”

“Ausilio will make a decision on how we proceed,” Marotta continued.

“And if things work out we’ll sign him for next season. These are the kinds of intuitions that the sporting directors at clubs have to have.”

Meanwhile, Marotta also spoke about the growth of striker Marcus Thuram at Inter.

“He’s always shown that he’s a talent,” the Inter CEO said.

“Then, he suffered a major injury.”

“We managed to get him on a free transfer,” the Nerazzurri executive noted. “It was a very significant signing.”

“Ausilio and Baccin never gave up on him,” Marotta said.

He said of Thuram that “He’s a wonderful young man. He’s the son of a great player [Lilian Thuram], its an important thing to have someone like that as a father.”

“I had the opportunity to spend some time with them, and his father follows his progress very closely.”

And of another arrival at Inter last summer, Benjamin Pavard, Marotta said that “He cost €30 million plus €2 million in add-ons.”

“He’s a World Cup winner. He’s a regular with the France international team. He signed from Bayern.”

“He is an absolutely top player,” Marotta continued of Pavard. “In the buildup to the Juve match, they made the comparison between him and Bremer.”

“I would have to say that in terms of characteristics they’re somewhat different players. But both great players.”

“Pavard is an excellent player,” Marotta said. “He’s a complete player both in his defensive coverage and how he participates in buildup and attack.”

“No Worries” About Contract Situations

Meanwhile, Marotta also opened up about the progress of some rounds of contract extension negotiations.

The likes of Lautaro Martinez and Nicolo Barella are players who Inter want to tie down on new long-term deals.

“We have no worries because there aren’t any players who are out of contract in the summer,” Marotta said.

“We want to consolidate the relationships with those players who feel attached to the shirt,” the Nerazzurri CEO continued.”

“From Lautaro to Barella.”

“There’s no rush,” Marotta stressed. “We have guarantees in terms of the contracts. We’re dealing with top professionals who show total respect for the club and its brand.”

And the CEO also reflected on where Inter are now under coach Simone Inzaghi.

“The new cycle began with Spalletti,” he said. “Then Conte continued to develop it.”

Former Chelsea and Juventus coach Conte “Gave the group many qualities. Both in terms of  winning mentality and style of play.”

“Then Inzaghi arrived, and given his young age and lighthearted attitude, has given the team a style of play that’s fun to watch.”

“He has an excellent relationship with the players,” Marotta explained of the Inter coach. “Almost as if he’s their teammate.”

“Great credit goes to Conte, Spalletti, and now Inzaghi.”