Inter Milan CEO Slams ‘Ill-Advised Phone Calls’ In Liverpool Pursuit Of Dumfries; ‘Conditions Were Not Right’ To Sign Ex Aston Villa Winger

Inter CEO Beppe Marotta addressed several transfer issues moments before kick-off against Cremonese, making it clear that the Nerazzurri are unlikely to make further additions, including recently-linked winger Moussa Diaby.

Speaking to Sky Sport, Marotta explained Inter’s approach to the January window.

“We approached this transfer window calmly because we did not have urgent gaps to fill, apart from Denzel Dumfries who is coming back from surgery,” he said, with quotes via FCInterNews.

“We would have liked to strengthen that area if an opportunity arose, but opportunities have to make sense from a technical point of view. The club is ready to invest, but those opportunities did not appear.”

Speculation grew over the past few days that Inter may attempt to sign French winger Moussa Diaby from Al-Ittihad.

However, the club are unlikely to sign the former Aston Villa man now.

Diaby was the leading candidate of many names explored, but Marotta confirmed the move never progressed.

“Diaby was the subject of an enquiry, because for us he could have improved the quality of the squad. But the conditions were not right, so I think our transfer window is closed. Tomorrow anything can happen, but I do not foresee concrete proposals.”

Cremonese Vs Inter – Marotta Talks Dumfries, Frattesi, Perisic & Diaby Situations

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – SEPTEMBER 12: Moussa Diaby of Al Ittihad controls the ball during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ittihad and Al-Fateh at Al Inmaa Stadium on September 12, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Marotta also hit out at Liverpool’s handling of interest in Denzel Dumfries.

Liverpool were linked with a sensational late swoop for Dumfries, whilst Inter explored a move for the Scouse club’s English midfielder Curtis Jones.

“For Dumfries there were phone calls made in an ill-advised way that only serve to destabilise the situation. But he will remain with us,” the Inter chief stated firmly.

On Ivan Perišić, he added: “He is tied to Inter and we understood his desire to finish the season here with us. But again, there were no conditions. We appreciate the player’s professionalism, but beyond a few phone calls there was nothing concrete.”

Marotta also addressed speculation around Davide Frattesi, who starts tonight.

“We never want to keep someone who wants to leave. He has never expressed that feeling, which means he feels good with us. It is normal to want more playing time, but he will have chances to show his qualities during the season.”

Finally, the CEO turned to European concerns.

“There is the right amount of worry. They have had incredible home results, especially against Italian teams. We must be ready for very difficult climatic and environmental conditions, with artificial turf where no Italian side has played. We even need the right equipment, because temperatures of minus 15 are expected. There is justified concern.”