Marotta: ‘Inter in Cancelo talks for swap, no official Frattesi proposal’
Inter President Beppe Marotta confirms talks for Al-Hilal’s Joao Cancelo could include an exchange, but there are ‘no official proposals’ for Davide Frattesi from Galatasaray.
The game with Bologna kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).
The Nerazzurri ended 2025 without any silverware, including the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final defeat to Bologna on penalties, but were still top of the Serie A table.
They hope to maintain that this evening as well as take revenge against the Rossoblu in the first game of 2026.
Marotta spills the beans on Inter transfer strategy
The January transfer window is now open and Inter are the centre of several big stories, with reports they are in discussions with Joao Cancelo for a return to Serie A.
“We have no particular need for new signings, especially if there are few opportunities. Dumfries will be out for at least another couple of months, so we are looking to see if there is someone who has those characteristics and is of the same quality,” Marotta told DAZN Italia.
“This opportunity has been presented. We are looking into it, this is an intermediary phase in the situation and we’ll see how it evolves over the next few days.”
Is it true that Al-Hilal could propose an exchange between Joao Cancelo and a central defender, for example allowing Francesco Acerbi a reunion with ex-Inter coach Simone Inzaghi in Saudi Arabia?
“Cancelo has a very expensive contract that no Italian club can handle entirely. We know that they are looking for a central defender, so once we enter into the negotiations at a more concrete stage, we’ll discuss those elements.
“We are trying to solidify the right flank, which at this moment is weakened only by the Dumfries injury.”
Galatasaray denied that they had made an offer for Frattesi for a loan with option to buy for €35m, and Marotta also insists the reports of advanced negotiations are far off the mark.
“With regards to Frattesi, our strategy is that if a player wants to leave, we’ll evaluate it. Frattesi is not in that situation. We have not received any official proposals, but we are open to discussing it,” added the Inter President.
Another story doing the rounds is that Torino want to interrupt the Kristjan Asllani loan six months early and send the midfielder back to Inter.
“As for Asllani, we haven’t spoken to Torino yet, but he is on loan and we must try to respect the value of the player. If he does not remain at Torino, we’ll try to find him a new club.”