Inter Milan Sporting Director Offers Insight Into January Transfer Plans: “We Don’t Feel Need To Buy”

Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio delivered an update on the club’s transfer plans for the upcoming transfer window. 

Speaking to Sky Sport via FCInterNews, Ausilio also commented on his role in the appointment of Cristian Chivu in June.

Inter Milan signed the 45-year-old shortly after Simone Inzaghi announced his departure.

Despite being relatively new to senior management, Cristian Chivu has impressed in the early stages of his tenure.

However, several high-profile injuries threaten to derail Inter’s lofty ambitions.

Indeed, after losing Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Marcus Thuram earlier in the season, the Nerazzurri are now without Denzel Dumfries.

With the Dutchman expected to stay on the sidelines for another couple of weeks, there’s a vacant spot on the right wing.

Though Andy Diouf fared well as a makeshift wingback against Pisa, Inter could sign a new

Meanwhile, the 20-time Italian champions may also add to their midfield options, with Davide Frattesi expected to leave.

Piero Ausilio Addresses Inter Milan Transfer Plans for January

“I’ll watch Calciomercato L’Originale, a show that comments on itself as well,” Ausilio said.

“We, just as the past few years have shown, are convinced that things must be done a certain way in the summer because it gives the coach time to get to know the players and also to wait for them.

“Those conditions aren’t there in January. Diouf is the perfect example. A lad who arrived at the very last moment and therefore didn’t have preseason.

“He needed time to get to know his teammates, the coach, and a new league. A whole different world.

“Today, some people are beginning to notice he’s a good player.

“However, finding opportunities in January becomes complicated because there’s no time to integrate them.

“Honestly, we don’t feel the need to sign anyone. We have a complete and competitive squad for all our season objectives.

“The problem lies exactly in what you’re telling us to look for – replacements.

“We have a strong and competitive squad; apart from Akanji, we’ve signed young players who came in as alternatives to the key starters.

“Finding players better than Barella, Dumfries, or Thuram isn’t easy – and perhaps they can’t be found at all.

“We took a different approach in the market compared to recent years, when we worked with free agents.

“And we’re convinced we’re strong; we’ve improved the depth options, which I don’t call second-string players.

“Up front, we’re more than well covered with Pio and Bonny.

“On the right, we have Darmian and Luis Henrique; we’re discovering Diouf, and Carlos Augusto is also an option.

“Unfortunately for you, it will stay this way. There won’t even be any departures.”

Inter Milan Chief Piero Ausilio Explains His Role in Cristian Chivu Appointment

“I can say without fear of being contradicted that I was one of his first admirers because I had him as a player,” Ausilio stated.

“I’ll tell you an anecdote: I personally went to Rome to pick Chivu up and bring him to Milan for Moratti.

“And I’m attached to him also because of that episode. He started with us in the youth sector; he coached the Primavera, so we’re certainly not surprised by everything this man is showing.

“We already knew his values. There’s nothing surprising about them for us directors.”

Finally, Ausilio commented on Inter’s failed pursuit of Ademola Lookman in the summer.

Furthermore, he insisted that Inter will not try to sign a similar player in January.

“No, I don’t think so,” Ausilio claimed. “I’ve never denied interest in Lookman; the timing was different from what came out in the media.

“There was a thought, but after the Club World Cup, we realized that changing the system of play, which had given so much certainty and excellent results, wasn’t the best idea.

“Chivu, together with us, made some evaluations.

“Above all, the growth of Pio Esposito allowed us to have four attackers who are more than sufficient for the 3-5-2 we’ve been using since Conte’s time.

“We’ll see in the coming years: if this remains the main formation, there’s no need for anything because we’re absolutely covered.”