Inter Transfer Market: Another Setback After the Marco Palestra Incident—A Call for Pavard

Cristian Romero appears to be drifting away from Inter. Despite the high regard in which Cristian Chivu holds him—having had the opportunity to observe him closely during the World Cup—the deal risks falling through due to the dynamics of Inter’s transfer market.

Inter and Tottenham had reached a preliminary agreement on the transfer fee. The deal could have been finalized for around 40 million euros, a figure agreed upon by Inter’s management team led by Giuseppe Marotta and Piero Ausilio. The only remaining step was to finalize the agreement with the player, with a financial gap considered bridgeable: Romero was asking for about 6 million euros per season, while Inter aimed to settle on around 5–5.5 million, possibly through a bonus structure.

The real obstacle, however, concerns the outgoing transfer market. Before making a move for the Argentine defender, Inter must first find a new club for Benjamin Pavard. The sale of the Frenchman—who, however, has no intention of moving again—would free up a spot on the roster and, above all, reduce the payroll.

In recent hours, in fact, Atlético Madrid has entered the fray decisively. The club coached by Diego Simeone now has greater financial flexibility thanks to the sales of Nahuel Molina and Matteo Ruggeri and is ready to invest to bring the Argentine center back to La Liga.

Inter therefore faces the risk of being outmaneuvered in the transfer market once again, following the setback they already suffered at the hands of Chelsea in the race for Marco Palestra. If the situation regarding Pavard does not resolve quickly, the trail leading to Romero could also cool off for good.