Beppe Marotta admits Inter could sign new players in January, but insists the club’s priority lies ‘on the pitch.’
The Nerazzurri visit Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday night and will move four points clear of second-placed Juventus with a victory in the capital.
“It’s a game like the others, we are looking for three points and consistency in terms of performance,” Marotta told DAZN.
“We don’t look at the table, which says something, but still not too much. This team is made of serious professionals who know how to motivate themselves, also with the coach’s help.”
Alexis Sanchez has been ruled out with an injury, so Marko Arnautovic, Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram are the only strikers available for Simone Inzaghi tonight and Marotta admitted the Nerazzurri could get attacking reinforcements in January.
“Injuries are part of the risk. The team’s depth is up to the task, but we don’t want to leave anything to chance, so we can evaluate what to do when we need it,” he said.
“We’ll meet with the coach, Ausilio and Baccin to assess the situation. I wouldn’t be worried, I think the team reflects our targets.”
There are reports Inter will announce Lautaro Martinez, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Federico Dimarco’s contract extensions before January 6, 2024, but Marotta refused to reveal any deadline.
“I don’t know; surely, these dynamics are being faced by every club. Today, we are focused on this game. From tomorrow, we’ll focus on Coppa Italia and then the Lecce game. The priority is on the pitch,” he said.
The DAZN reporter asked if Mkhitaryan’s contract extension is tied to Inter’s interest in Piotr Zielinski, so if the Napoli midfielder joins the Nerazzurri as a free agent, Mkhi won’t extend.
“Mkhitaryan is a great professional who has proved to have great quality with his performances. He shouldn’t be compared to everyone because he has great value,” concluded Marotta.
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