Inter Milan Sporting Director Opens Up On Ex Arsenal Star’s Contract Extension Talks & January Transfer Window | OneFootball

Inter Milan CEO Piero Ausilio has given his thoughts on contract extension talks with Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and the club’s strategy for January.

The Nerazzurri executive spoke to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews, whilst at the Gran Gala del Calcio.

Earlier this evening, Ausilio’s main colleague in Inter’s transfer strategy Beppe Marotta spoke at the Gran Gala del Calcio.

The CEO hinted that there was not likely to be any earth-shattering business next month from Inter.

Naturally, there will always be some speculation about possible big transfers. But according to Marotta, there is little chance that Inter will do any major business next month.

And Sporting Director Ausilio has confirmed the Nerazzurri’s reason for not wanting to intervene in January.

He has made clear that the strategy is always focused on the summer rather than on January.

But on the other hand, Ausilio has also opened up about some of the other important business. Namely, the Nerazzurri’s contract extension talks with some key players in the squad.

Particularly of note is former Arsenal and Roma midfielder Mkhitaryan.

Ausilio On Mkhitaryan Contract Talks, January Transfer Talks

Regarding contract extension talks with players in the squad, Ausilio said that “We’re working on it. We’re calm, and not rushing.”

The Inter Sporting Director said that “The aim of everyone is to continue on together.”

“Then, there are some players whose contracts expire further into the future. And those whose deals expire more imminently, like Mkhi.”

He said of the former Manchester United midfielder that “We’re accelerating more in talks with him.”

Ausilio was also clear in his message regarding the January window.

“We don’t like the January transfer window,” the Sporting Director said.

“But there can occasionally be opportunities. Marotta will have left the door open a little bit.”

“We think that we’re in a good place today,” Ausilio said.

“Inzaghi is making the most of everyone, young or old.”

“The thing that’s great to see is that the whole squad is getting involved. Everyone is enjoying themselves.”

“And then the results prove that we’re doing something right,” Ausilio added.

Ausilio On Sommer & Thuram

The Inter Sporting Director also gave his thoughts on how Yann Sommer has been doing in replacing Andre Onana at the club.

“He’s been doing well,” Ausilio said of the Swiss goalkeeper.

“Onana had also done well here in Milan. Then I don’t know what things are like at Manchester United.”

“We’ve been following Sommer for some time, ” the Nerazzurri executive continued.

“We were close to signing him a few years ago,” he noted.

“But he’s never really left our radar. And last summer, the player’s desire to come here was what was decisive.”

And as for striker Marcus Thuram. Ausilio said that “It’s clear that he and Lautaro are doing well.”

“They’re a great strike pair,” he said.

“We started with him a number of years ago,” Ausilio continued. “We’d been following him for some time.”

“There was the opportunity to sign him after Lukaku was sold,” the Inter executive noted.

“He was our first choice along with Dzeko. But then he picked up an injury.”

“But we never forgot about him,” the Inter Sporting Director added.