Erick Thohir has admitted that Inter’s hopes of signing Bacary Sagna rest solely with the player, as he discusses who else might come in this summer.
Erick Thohir has admitted that Inter’s hopes of signing Bacary Sagna rest solely with the player, as he discusses who else might come in this summer.
The Nerazzurri are expected to make changes to their playing staff come the end of a transitional season that has seen the Indonesian replace Massimo Moratti as owner.
Speculation has been that Arsenal full-back Sagna is in talks with the club over a Bosman deal and, whilst remaining non-committal, Thohir has admitted to talks.
“I’m not used to making announcements if a contract is not signed,” began the President to the Gazzetta dello Sport this week.
“I can only say that we like Sagna and that at this point it all depends only on him. Announcements will be made only when there is a signature. The same goes for Palacio’s contract renewal.
“Have we signed Sagna then? I did not say that. If he doesn’t arrive, we will bring in a youth player.”
The club already have Nemanja Vidic tied up to arrive from Manchester United in the summer on a Bosman, a deal that Piero Ausilio credits Thohir with actioning.
“It was to the merit of everyone, even if I am the one that ultimately takes the risk.
“In Vidic’s contract we have included a clause in which he will have to play a certain number of games.
“Not to mention that the discussion of the average age for next season will see it at 26.5 years, with Vidic, Palacio and eventually Sagna meaning that there would be room for only one other player over the age of 30. There shall not be more than four.
“Would that fourth man be Samuel Eto’o, who has spoken to Moratti? Eto’o doesn’t know me, so it is right that he goes to Moratti.
“Yet, we need balance and Palacio is more than 30 and Icardi is very young, the attacker will have to be in between them.
“Rumours then of Dzeko, Torres or Morata? I do consider these names. Maybe one of the three will come for real, but we must apply with the above parameters.”