Inter market: away in two to make room for Marco Palestra

The first real market summit at Inter set the course for next summer, putting a very specific name at the top of the wish list: Marco Palestra. The class of 2005 side, owned by Atalanta, has literally bewitched the Nerazzurri management after an absolute star season on loan at Cagliari. With 36 appearances, one goal and four assists to his credit, the 20-year-old has shown a surprising maturity for his age, even earning a call-up to the senior national team and ending up on the radar of top European clubs, Manchester City included.

For Cristian Chivu, the Azzurri outfielder represents the ideal profile to give new life and unpredictability to the outside lanes of the Inter side of the future. Palestra combines an extraordinary athletic freshness with an excellent tactical intelligence and a marked propensity to push, fundamental characteristics for the Romanian coach’s game. The acceleration on this front even disregards the fate of Denzel Dumfries: the Dutchman has a 25 million euro rescission clause and a contract expiring in 2028 that will most likely not be renewed, prompting the club to immediately protect itself with a top-notch and highly prospective investment.

The operation, however, promises to be complex due to Atalanta’s known economic demands. The Bergamasque club values its jewel at no less than 40 million euros, a significant figure that will force Beppe Marotta and Piero Ausilio to adopt a targeted financing strategy. To put together the necessary treasury and beat the competition, according to Corriere dello Sport, Inter is ready to sacrifice two valuable pieces of the current squad on the market: Luis Henrique, who enjoys strong appeal in the Premier League, and Andy Diouf. The management’s goal is to generate the required liquidity for the decisive lunge in the shortest possible time.

Contacts between the parties are already underway and the Nerazzurri diplomacy is at work to try to smooth out Percassi’s demands. In addition to the fixed cash base, Inter is studying the inclusion of some young technical quid pro quos liked by the Orobici’s coach, Raffaele Palladino, a move that could lower the overall outlay. The negotiations have entered the heart of the matter and the next few days will be very hot: Inter wants to armor Palestra and give Chivu the first, big piece to continue winning in Italy and dreaming in Europe.