Inter CEO Beppe Marotta confirms he has already informed Aurelio De Laurentiis about talks with Piotr Zielinski and confirms the club are pushing to extend with Lautaro Martinez and Nicolò Barella.
The Nerazzurri director spoke to DAZN following Inter’s 1-0 win over Juventus on Sunday night.
Marotta confirmed that the Serie A leaders are in advanced talks with Napoli midfielder Zielinski, who could become the first signing of 2024-25. His contract at the Stadio Maradona expires in June, so the Poland international will move to the Stadio Meazza on a free transfer.
“What really matters is being a club like in 2010. Players want to join us,” said Marotta.
“As for Zielinski, we are testing the waters, I’ve also spoken to De Laurentiis. We’ll sign him for next season if all goes as planned.”
Marcus Thuram was one of Inter’s free signings last summer and the Frenchman is having a terrific season at the Stadio Meazza with 10 goals and 11 assists in 31 appearances across all competitions.
“He has always proved to be a talent, but he had had a bad injury,” noted Marotta.
“We didn’t give up on him, with Ausilio and Baccin, and we managed to bring him to Milan for free. He will become a great champion. It is fundamental to have a father like Lilian, he is a fundamental advisor for Marcus.”
How do Inter manage to get so many free agents?
“It all starts with the work of the technical area and scouts. Right now we contact and negotiate with players. It is easier for us because we represent Inter. We’ve won six trophies, and we reached a Champions League Final, and we are based in Milan, which is fundamental for the players’ partners,” Marotta replied.
The Nerazzurri are also working on extending with some of their stars.
“We are not in a hurry, nobody will leave for free,” said Marotta.
“We want to consolidate the bond with players who prove their love for the jersey like Lautaro and Barella, but not only them. The nice thing is that we are dealing with professional players who love the club and the brand.”
The Nerazzurri are enjoying a four-point lead over second-placed Juventus and have a game in hand so they further increase the gap with the Old Lady.
“We have good guys but we have won nothing yet,” insisted Marotta.
“We have 13 points more than last season and a goal difference of +41, but we have won nothing, and we’ll find the biggest challenges against provincial teams, starting with Salernitana, who we’ll face after Roma. That’s where we must prove to be a great team.”
Marotta has recently signed a new contract with Inter, does he see himself at the club until the end of his career?
“I’ve extended my contract with Inter until 2027 when I’ll be 70. I love football and I’d love to remain in this environment to create a new life for myself at a political level,” he concluded.