The Nerazzurri executive admits Chelsea’s financial offer was impossible to match, rules out Eduardo Camavinga, and confirms Inter are still searching for reinforcements on the right flank.
Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio has broken his silence on Marco Palestra’s dramatic move to Chelsea, admitting the Nerazzurri simply could not compete with the Premier League club’s financial power.
Speaking during the opening gala of the summer transfer window, Ausilio described the failed pursuit with a touch of humor but acknowledged the disappointment inside the club.
“It was a rejection worse than the ones you get in high school,” Ausilio joked. “But our offer to the player was less than half of what Chelsea proposed. These things happen. When another club offers that kind of salary, there’s very little you can do.”
Inter had considered Palestra one of their top priorities to replace Denzel Dumfries, but Chelsea’s late intervention ultimately convinced the Italian youngster to move to Stamford Bridge instead.
Despite missing out on the defender, Ausilio confirmed that Inter remain in the market for a right-sided player.
“We’ll do something else,” he said. “We’ll definitely sign a right wing-back, but there’s no need to rush.”
The Inter executive also addressed several transfer rumors surrounding the club.
One name he quickly dismissed was Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga.
“We have to be realistic,” Ausilio explained. “We know the numbers involved and the player’s salary. That’s simply not a realistic option for us.”
He was more open when discussing Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones.
“We’ve never denied our interest,” Ausilio admitted.
The same applies to defenders Oumar Solet and Trevoh Chalobah, both of whom remain on Inter’s shortlist.
“They’re two players we’re following, but they’re certainly not the only ones,” he said.
Ausilio emphasized that Inter are not chasing marquee names simply for headlines.
“I don’t like talking about blockbuster signings,” he explained. “I prefer functional signings—players who can add something extra to an already strong squad.”
Another player linked with Inter is Mahmoud Khalaili.
“We’re evaluating him,” Ausilio confirmed. “He’s one of several names under consideration.”
Regarding Nico Paz, who is expected to remain at Como after talks with Real Madrid, Ausilio insisted Inter were never actively involved.
“We never made a move because we have different priorities,” he said.
He also commented on Aleksandar Stanković, praising the young midfielder’s development while leaving the door open regarding his future.
“We’ve always shown that we wanted him back,” Ausilio said. “He’s had a very good development path. Now we’ll evaluate the situation because the midfield has to be built with the right balance and the right numbers.”
Looking ahead to the new season, Ausilio made Inter’s ambitions clear.
“We want to do better in the Champions League,” he said. “Our European journey ended too early, and we want to improve on that.”
As for speculation surrounding his own contract extension, the veteran sporting director preferred not to discuss the subject.
“That’s not for me to talk about,” Ausilio concluded.
With the Palestra pursuit now officially over, Inter are expected to intensify their search for reinforcements, but Ausilio’s message was clear: the club will remain patient and only move for players who fit both the sporting project and the financial strategy.
