Inter are turning their attention to Union Saint-Gilloise’s Anan Khalaili, a 21-year-old Israeli right-back, following their unsuccessful pursuit of Marco Palestra according to comments made by Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio at a football event in Rimini.
Palestra, previously at Atalanta, was reportedly the subject of a significant offer from Inter, with the club prepared to spend up to €50 million on the young Italian. However, Palestra ultimately chose to move elsewhere, a situation Ausilio described as a “two of spades” – a rejection – but accepted as part of the transfer market. Ausilio stated the club did “everything they could” to secure the player.
With the need for a replacement for Denzel Dumfries apparent, Inter have now identified Khalaili as a priority target. However, they face competition from Napoli, who have already had a €15 million bid rejected by Union Saint-Gilloise. The Belgian club are reportedly holding out for a fee in the region of €25-30 million, aiming to spark a bidding war.
Ausilio confirmed that Inter are evaluating multiple options at right-back, including Dodò and Norton-Cuffy, alongside Khalaili. The club is also seeking to bolster their defensive options following the departures of Francesco Acerbi, Stefan de Vrij, and Matteo Darmian, though a move for Alessandro Solet appears to have cooled. They are considering a potential bid for Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah, currently the subject of a €27 million offer from Como, but the Blues are demanding €40 million.
Ausilio also acknowledged Inter’s interest in Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, but indicated a significant gap in valuation makes a deal unlikely at this stage. He also confirmed that goalkeepers Stankovic and Massolin will remain with the club until mid-August, with the club particularly high on Stankovic’s potential. A move for Real Madrid’s Camavinga is considered financially unfeasible. Ausilio also reflected on past transfer targets, stating he regrets not pursuing Sandro Tonali during his time at Brescia.
Ausilio also touched on the dynamic between CEO Beppe Marotta and the club’s ownership group, Oaktree, suggesting Marotta has become more assertive in his role as president and acts as a key intermediary between the sporting staff and the owners.
