Inter Milan President Claims Leoni Transfer Links Are A ‘Media Exaggeration'
The Nerazzurri President addressed the rumours in the team's preseason press conference, as reported by FCInterNews.
For the last several weeks, Inter have been heavily linked with Parma defender Giovanni Leoni.
Reportedly, the 19-year-old is the player the Nerazzurri see as ideal for the long-term future of their defense.
Furthermore, the fact that Leoni had worked with coach Cristian Chivu last season has further bumped him up Inter's list of targets.
However, the price tag for Leoni would be quite high. Reportedly, Parma are holding out for as much as €40 million to sell the teenage defender.
Marotta Calls Inter – Giovanni Leoni Links 'A Media Exaggeration'
VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Giuseppe Marotta of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Verona and FC Internazionale at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 23, 2024 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by)
Inter Milan President Beppe Marotta addressed the transfer links to Giovanni Leoni.
'First of all, I think it's fair to point out that Chivu has recognized the value of both Pio Esposito and Leoni,' he said.
'But Leoni is a Parma player,' he continued. 'And we haven't started any negotiations for him.'
'He would be a player a lot of clubs would like to have. But right now, we have other priorities.'
'We'll see,' Marotta hinted. 'On the one hand, we recognize the quality of Leoni. But on the other hand, let's also remember that Pio Esposito comes from Inter's academy.'
'We hope that we can find Inter's own Leoni here,' the Nerazzurri President said.
'I'm not saying he's not a good player,' Marotta made clear. 'But maybe in recent months there's been a bit of a media exaggeration.'
'Parma had a good intuition last summer. And now they have a great asset on their hands.'
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