Inter CEO suggests the club will not be competitive in this summer’s transfer market

Paul Macdonald

• Updated: 20 May 2021 11:26 BST
• 2 min read

Inter CEO Bepe Marotta has warned this summer’s transfer window will not involve too many big deals as Inter are still feeling the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Fresh from celebrating the club’s first Serie A title for 11 years, Marotta sought to defuse expectations of a busy summer at San Siro and beyond.

Inter have been more heavily linked with sales than signings ahead of the window, with the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez attracting plenty of interest.

Read more: Romelu Lukaku cools exit talk after Inter’s Serie A triumph

While Marotta didn’t suggest they would need to sell anyone, he said Inter and other clubs would have to consider the current situation before entering into negotiations with anyone.

“We know that we are in a very difficult moment, there is a contraction in income and that affects the big clubs. The power in the market will be reduced. We will have to make comparisons, in ours and in other clubs,” Marotta told Rai Radio.

“One part is the final balance at the end of the season, on the other hand we have to think about certain costs and uncertain income.

Marotta also stated that the owners of Inter are looking for added investment. There had been reported interest from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund.

“The owners are working for the good of Inter.

“The objective is to reach an agreement with a partner to gather the necessary liquidity at this time. There is great optimism but we cannot forget “, he warned before sending another message:

“The one who spends the most does not always win. “

Could Lukaku or Martinez be sold?

The pair have been a major factor in Inter’s rise under Antonio Conte. Both have been linked with Manchester City in recent months, while Lukaku’s name has been mentioned with regards to a potential return to Chelsea.

Lukaku has also sought to play down any expectations of a move away from San Siro after collecting his Serie A winner’s medal at the weekend.