Inter: Marotta makes promise about Oaktree and Lautaro extension

FLORENCE, ITALY - JANUARY 29: Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta during the "Panchina d'Oro" award season 2022/2023 at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on January 29, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Inter director Beppe Marotta insists Oaktree will guarantee ‘continuity’ and is confident Lautaro Martinez will sign a contract extension before the start of the pre-season.

Marotta spoke to reporters on Monday night during an event organised by Inter clubs.

“I can guarantee that there will be continuity in the management with Oaktree,” he said, as quoted by Gazzetta.

“Those who talk badly about us are only pushed by the culture of envy and spread biased news that wants to depict Inter as a club that has lost control. But Inter are healthy and we’ll take great satisfaction.

“I think Inter must be considered one of the best clubs in the world. In football, you must not fear and aim for ambitious targets.”

The Nerazzurri directors and coach Simone Inzaghi will meet Oaktree representatives today holding the first operative meeting since the American fund completed a takeover from Suning.

Inter became Serie A champions for the 20th time in history in 2023-24 and Marotta also spoke about the season.

Inter: Marotta makes promise about Oaktree and Lautaro extension

“I think the turning point was the victory against Juventus. They were close; Allegri talked about ‘Corto muso’, but then it became pretty long,” he joked.

“We went downhill, but we always felt nervous until there was mathematical certainty. In the end, we won easily, I’d say.”

Lastly, Marotta was again asked about Lautaro Martinez’s contract extension. The Argentinean’s contract runs until June 2026, but the two parties have not yet reached an agreement over the striker’s new salary.

“We are discussing this with his agent Camano because agents always draw water to their own mill to make a good impression,” said Marotta.

“Lautaro wants to stay and he proves it daily. Surely his contract will be extended when training sessions resume.”

The Argentinean striker became the Serie A leading scorer in 2023-24, netting 24 goals in 33 appearances, his most prolific season in the league since joining Inter in 2018.