Marotta gives Inter transfer updates

By Football Italia staff

Inter director Beppe Marotta confirmed Antonio Conte was first choice, while giving updates on Mauro Icardi, Radja Nainggolan, Edin Dzeko and Nicolò Barella.

Marotta and Coach Conte held a joint Press conference at the new club media centre this afternoon.

“The idea of bringing in Conte started with me, but was shared fully by the rest of the management and the President. We considered him the most suitable figure for this precise moment in time at Inter, someone with a winning profile and mentality.

“We did not contact any other Coach and once the season came to an end, we started talks with Conte and quickly worked out an ambitious and innovative plan.

“We’re working on the market, Piero Ausilio is doing a great job and together we are working to build a competitive team. We must never forget that the management of a football club is to set ambitious targets, but above all to maintain an economic and sporting balance.

“We are trying to take opportunities, well aware of the players Antonio Conte wants, but we can’t rush these things, as being hasty can lead to mistakes. It takes time, because the objectives we want to achieve are very important.”

Marotta was asked about his comments on Sky Sport Italia yesterday that Icardi and Nainggolan were not part of their plans.

“When you define a project, you also need to find the ideal profiles for that project. It’s not right to go into the details now, but we discussed it from all elements of the club and made this painful decision.

“We are not stupid, we realise these players are our assets and we have no intention of wasting that, but one must have the courage of his convictions and we are sure we’re doing what is best for the club, without disrespecting two professionals.

“There is no lack of respect, so they will train with us and we’ll respect their rights to train.”

While Napoli and Atletico Madrid are also interested, Marotta was asked on an update from Icardi’s possible move to Juventus.

“I’d exclude it right now, as there aren’t the conditions to do that. As you know, nowadays the player’s desire has the priority above any decision the club makes, but we still have to make the decision.

“A selling club gets to dictate the price and that too requires patience, as we need any signing to have a price-tag congruous with their value.”

Marotta was asked specifically about Roma forward Edin Dzeko and Cagliari midfielder Nicolò Barella, as talks seem to have stalled.

“It’s still something of a chess game where buyer and seller are playing with their strategy. I cannot deny Dzeko and Barella are objectives for us, the clubs are trying to find the right deal, there is a player who appreciates the destination and we are still in the negotiation phase to find a breakthrough.”

Marotta was asked what will happen if the transfer window shuts with Icardi and Radja Nainggolan still not sold.

“If we were to find ourselves in that situation, we’d sit them down and talk about it, but there’s nothing to suggest that right now.”

The former Juventus director was told about the newspaper suggestions of a swap between Paulo Dybala and Icardi.

“I think it’s over the top to think about that right now. I know how good Dybala is, but suggesting an exchange with Icardi is something of a utopia. We sit at the window and watch what’s happening.”

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