Inter have been tending to multiple negotiations to extend the contracts of some cornerstones in recent weeks, some of which are close to their conclusions. However, the uncertainty about their final position is slowing down the proceedings, La Gazzetta dello Sport informs.
If they missed out on Champions League, president Steven Zhang would demand to lower the payroll, even if it cost them some players. It’s now at €132M gross after they cut it down by 12 percent last summer. The spending review could involve even those seemingly on the verge of putting pen to paper.
Hakan Calhanoglu appears to be the closest to doing that. He might be an exception considering his key role. Instead, Edin Dzeko and Stefan De Vrij, who are reportedly keen on accepting the latest proposals by Inter, could reconsider their stance without a top-four finish.
Reaching an agreement with Alessandro Bastoni is one of the club’s top priorities. However, unlike his teammates that would maintain the same wages, he’s due for a raise, which represents a problem.
Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta hinted at this issue while offering lukewarm support for embattled Simone Inzaghi before the recent Coppa Italia bout with Juventus (via EuroSport).
“We have faith in him, and we already said that a few times. The fact that he has a contract means that we established a multi-year relationship of trust. We’re happy, and we are in the running for three objectives, even though we have been inconsistent in Serie A. We have nine matchdays to improve on that. Our path in the cups has been important. Not playing in Champions League would force us to revisit the business plan for next year.”
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