Moussa Diaby has resurfaced as a prime candidate in Inter Milan’s urgent search for a replacement wing-back following Denzel Dumfries’ high-profile exit to this summer.
As Sporting Director Cristian Chivu and his team intensify their recruitment drive, Diaby’s name is gaining traction once again, reigniting hopes of securing the dynamic winger’s signature.
Inter’s transfer activity this summer has already seen the arrivals of John Stones, Ivan Provedel, and Aleksandar Stankovic. Yet, the Nerazzurri remain focused on bolstering their squad further, with Tottenham’s on the radar and a critical need to fill the void left by Dumfries on the flank. Chivu recently highlighted this pressing gap after Inter’s pre-season friendly against , stating, “Maybe we’re missing one on the left. We have three wingers at the moment, or rather three and a half because Carlos (Augusto) can play there as well. And depending on how we look at Luis Henrique, who can play on the right or left, we’re still missing one. There’s still a long way to go in the window, we need to be patient and choose well.”
Inter’s pursuit has encountered hurdles: potential deals for Marco Palestra and Union Saint Gilloise’s Anan Khalaili fell through, with Khalaili’s transfer collapsing after a failed medical. Now, reports from Gianluca Di Marzio and Sky Sport Italia confirm Diaby is back “in fashion” within Nerazzurri circles, signaling renewed interest in the former Aston Villa winger.
Diaby’s previous links to Inter during the January transfer window suggested a possible loan arrangement with an option or obligation to buy around €35 million. However, the stumbling block remains far beyond the transfer fee. The real challenge lies in persuading Diaby to accept a significant pay cut from his staggering salary at Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, where he reportedly nets €15 million annually, excluding bonuses that push his total earnings beyond €20 million.
As Inter weigh their options, the financial gap looms large. Securing Diaby could provide the Nerazzurri with the wide attacking threat they desperately need, but bridging the salary demands may prove decisive in the closing stages of the transfer window. The clock is ticking, and Chivu’s call for patience underscores the delicate balancing act Inter face as they navigate this crucial phase of squad rebuilding.