Marotta: ‘Inter preliminary stage for Palestra, we’ll see Stankovic future’

Inter President Beppe Marotta insists talks for Atalanta wing-back Marco Palestra are ‘at the preliminary stage,’ but Aleksandar Stankovic’s future is yet to be decided.The patron was present at the ceremony for the drawing up of the 2026-27 Serie A fixture list at the Teatro Regio in Parma this evening.He spoke to reporters and was asked about the transfer strategy for the reigning Champions of Italy, fresh from a Scudetto and Coppa Italia Double.Inevitably, the first question was about Palestra, who flourished on loan at Cagliari and now Atalanta are asking for €50m.Inter working on Palestra dealCAGLIARI, ITALY – FEBRUARY 16: Marco Palestra of Cagliari in action during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and US Lecce at Stadio Sant’Elia on February 16, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)“Palestra is an Atalanta player, he is a talent and I am glad for Italian football that he is doing so well,” replied Marotta.“It seems a bit of a stretch to say he’s coming to Inter. It’s true that we have Denzel Dumfries close to Real Madrid and he plays the same role, but we are still at the preliminary stage for Palestra.“His profile would be appreciated by many European clubs, and Inter are among them.”Aleksandar Stankovic returns to Inter from Club BruggeA transfer deal has already been completed today, because Inter officially activated their buy-back option for Stankovic, who made a big impact at Club Brugge.The cost of the sale was €9.5m, while the Nerazzurri paid €23m to return him to San Siro, although it remains to be seen if there will be another loan or not.“It was inevitable we’d use the buy-back clause after he had a great season. Stankovic is a very important player and an investment for Inter, then we’ll see what his future will be.“Inter’s objective is to get the most interesting young players who can grow value and give us their contribution.”Marotta confirmed that goalkeeper Josep Martinez “will certainly stay with us, but whether he starts or not is down to the coach.”Cristian Chivu won the Scudetto and Coppa Italia in his debut season, so the club will lock him down to a new contract.“As you well know, Chivu already has a contract to 2027, we reached an agreement for a renewal that will be made official with reciprocal joy over the next few days. I think our fans are happy too,” concluded Marotta.