Inter chief Ausilio on Buongiorno, Buchanan and De Vrij scenarios | OneFootball

Inter director Piero Ausilio comments on reports of a Stefan de Vrij sale to Saudi Arabia, finding Tajon Buchanan’s replacement and denying an Alessandro Buongiorno approach.

The Nerazzurri have already been working on their transfer strategy for months, securing Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski and FC Porto striker Mehdi Taremi as free agents.

However, their plans were forced to change when Canada international wing-back Buchanan fractured his tibia on international duty at the Copa America and will be out for at least four months.

“We had been complete, but then this Buchanan injury happened and we are looking around to see if we can complete the squad with an intelligent move,” director of sport Ausilio told Tuttomercatoweb.

“We already discussed it with the coach, we’re seeing a left-footed player who can also work in defence. We have two months to find the right player, but we’re keeping the names to ourselves.”

Ausilio on Inter options

Another transfer is set to be completed, as goalkeeper Josep Martinez arrived for his medical yesterday on a €13m plus bonuses move from Genoa.

There had been reports that Inter were among the clubs approaching Torino for Buongiorno, who now seems to be on the verge of a transfer to Napoli for €35m plus €5m in add-ons.

“Only one person spoke to us about Buongiorno and it was not someone who works at Inter.”

Ausilio also commented on the suggestions that centre-back De Vrij could be sold to a club in the Saudi Pro League to raise funds.

“At this moment, there is no foundation to that rumour. De Vrij is an important player for Inter, he is having a very good Euros and was always ready when called upon. If situations emerge that he wants to evaluate, then we are here, but for the moment he is our player.”