Inter director Beppe Marotta confirms Lautaro Martinez’s salary request is the ‘issue’ in contract negotiations and welcomes Oaktree at the club.
Marotta spoke to DAZN minutes before the last game of the season against Hellas Verona.
The Gialloblu have already secured survival, while Inter became Serie A champions more than a month ago.
The Serie A giants are in talks to extend with their captain Lautaro Martinez, but there are reports that the striker’s salary demands are too high for the club.
Marotta confirms ‘issue’ in Lautaro Martinez contract talks with Inter
“When you negotiate with players, that [the salary] is always the issue,” Marotta said as quoted by FcInter1908.
“Talks have not been put on hold, but clearly, we had to slow down a little because bureaucratic aspects are coming from the transition from one owner to another. Indeed, we are confident because the player strongly wants to continue with us and this is a principle that safeguards any possible negotiation.”
Lautaro said last week that he was in a hurry to sign a new contract with Inter. His stay at the club formally expires in June 2026.
In the meantime, the Nerazzurri have changed owners going from Steven Zhang’s Suning to Oaktree.
The American fund completed the club’s takeover after Zhang failed to repay a loan of nearly €400m, including interest.
“Steven [Zhang] has become a passionate fan, and I hope he will follow our adventures,” said Marotta.
“I welcome a new fund formed by people who have given ample guarantees.”
You can follow the final Serie A matchday on the Football Italia LIVEBLOG.
His contract runs until 2026, not 2025.
I noticed a palpable discord between the two during Inter‘s Serie A trophy presentation at the Meazza. El Toro refused to shake hands or acknowledge Mr Marotta.