Inter CEO Beppe Marotta feels optimistic that a new contract can be agreed with defender Milan Skriniar.

Speaking to reporters at the book launch of Italian journalist Marco Bellinazzo’s new book “The New Wars of Football,” as reported by FCInterNews, the CEO praised Skriniar and expressed confidence regarding the contact extension negotiations with the 27-year-old.

Inter have been pushing to agree a new deal with Skriniar for the past few weeks.

It has been no secret that the Nerazzurri are keen to secure the Slovakian’s future ever since they decided not to sell him during the summer transfer window.

Over the course of the negotiations that began after the team secured qualification for the Champions League knockouts, things have progressed quite a way.

There is still work to be done as far as pen being put to paper on a new contract for Skriniar, but for his part Marotta is optimistic.

Asked about the negotiations, the CEO replied that “In a team sport it never depends on just one person, obviously there’s great respect for Milan, we know that we’re dealing with a great professional.”

“As you know we started negotiations a little while ago, and then there are several other players on expiring contracts who we’d love to extend with but where the objectives of the club don’t allow us to.”

“I have to say that I’m optimistic that we can reach an agreement as far as Skriniar is concerned,” Marotta added.