Chivu comments on Dumfries’ Real Madrid move, says Inter transfer strategy already ‘planned’ | OneFootball

During his interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Cristian Chivu said Inter could do nothing to block Denzel Dumfries’ exit due to the defender’s release clause but revealed the Nerazzurri’s transfer strategy is already planned with ‘plans A and B for each role.’

Inter coach Chivu released a long interview with Gazzetta discussing the club’s transfer plans for the summer, among other things.

Chivu comments on Inter transfers

The big news of the week is that Dumfries will move to Real Madrid, as the Merengues will activate the defender’s €20m clause in July. Dumfries has already undergone medical tests with the La Liga giants while on international duty with the Netherlands national team.

“Denzel did what he had to. He had a release clause, and Inter couldn’t do anything to stop him.” Chivu said.

“We must be ready with the right solution and the right alternative, and understand what would help us take the next step forward.”

Atalanta’s Marco Palestra, who spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Cagliari, is Inter’s main target to replace Dumfries, according to all Italian media.

“Marco Palestra is a nice profile, but he is not one of my players today, so I can’t really talk about him,” Chivu said.

“We already have many young Italian players who know what Inter mean and identify themselves with this club. This is a nice advantage and a path we want to continue following. But, obviously, we need other players too, a mix that will help us be competitive at all levels.”

Chivu was asked whether Inter will seek a new goalkeeper, centre-back, central midfielder, and right wing-back in the summer, and he responded: “I don’t talk about the market here; that’s something the directors have to do, but you always need players to improve and, why not, send signals to the group and the environment.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – MAY 23: Cristian Chivu head coach of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on May 23, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“We have everything planned; there are plans A and B for each role, but then August arrives, and anything can happen because there could be situations you don’t expect. Especially in a World Cup summer, everything can become agony.”

Over the last few weeks, Alessandro Bastoni has been linked with a move to Barcelona, but Chivu is confident that the Italian centre-back won’t leave San Siro in the summer.

“Bastoni is one of our champions. Of course, there are transfer stories around him because he’s one of the best centre-backs in the world,” he concluded.

“I know what type of man Alessandro is, but I mostly know what he has done and what he will continue to do for us in the future.”