Backstory & Fee Revealed – Roma Star Rejects Marseille Transfer To Join Inter Milan | OneFootball

Roma wingback Nicola Zalewski rejected a move to join Marseille, and insisted on joining Inter Milan.

This according to today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews. They report that Inter paid a €600,000 loan fee for the 23-year-old, and have a €7 million purchase option.

Now it’s official. Nicola Zalewski is an Inter player.

The Polish international has joined the Nerazzurri on loan from Roma.

Inter have signed Zalewski to bolster their depth in the wingback positions following the departure of Tajon Buchanan to join Villarreal.

And the Nerazzurri have gotten the deal done with plenty of time to spare.

In fact, Zalewski will even be part of Inter’s squad for this evening’s derby clash with AC Milan.

Nicola Zalewski Rejects Marseille To Join Inter Milan

It had always looked very likely that Roma would offload Zalewski this January, one way or the other.

The Pole’s contract with the Giallorossi had been set to expire at the end of June.

FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 27: Nicola Zalewski of AS Roma reacts during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and AS Roma at Stadio Artemio Franchi on October 27, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Therefore, this constituted the last opportunity for Roma to cash in before losing Zalewski on a free transfer.

And Marseille had come forward with an interest in the 23-year-old. They had all but finalized a deal to sign him from Roma.

However, Inter also showed an interest. And Zalewski showed a clear preference to stay in Serie A and join the reigning Italian champions.

Therefore, the Polish international flatly turned down the move to Roma.

As such, Roma went back to the negotiating table, but this time with Inter.

The Nerazzurri signed Zalewski on loan. This required the Pole first extending his contract with Roma.

The Corriere report that Inter have paid a loan fee of €600,000.

Then, at the end of the season, there will be a purchase option for Inter to sign Zalewski permanently. That would be for a fee of around €6.5-7 million, the newspaper report.