Inter Milan has reportedly rejected a last-minute offer from Serie A rival Lazio to secure midfielder Davide Frattesi. The proposed deal involved a loan with a conditional obligation to buy, which Inter deemed unsuitable. This decision comes despite Frattesi's reduced role in the current season, raising questions about his future at the San Siro.
Davide Frattesi, a 26-year-old Italian international, has found himself with limited playing opportunities under Inter's new manager, Cristian Chivu. Chivu, who had previously expressed intentions to revitalize Frattesi's career, has instead provided the midfielder with only two Serie A starts this season. This stark contrast to earlier expectations highlights a challenging period for Frattesi within the squad.
The club's rationale for turning down Lazio's offer primarily revolves around the difficulty of securing a suitable replacement. Even with Frattesi's current position as a bit-part player, Inter is keen to maintain squad depth, especially given the ongoing competitive demands of the season. Lazio, led by Maurizio Sarri, had reportedly prepared a comprehensive proposal, including conditions that would have made the transfer permanent. However, Inter's stance remained firm, indicating a strategic decision to retain the player.
Frattesi's situation at Inter Milan is becoming increasingly complex. While he remains a part of the squad, his lack of consistent game time could prompt further transfer speculation in future windows. For now, Inter's refusal to part with him underscores a cautious approach to player movements, prioritizing stability over potential short-term gains from his departure.
Inter Milan's decision to reject Lazio's bid for Davide Frattesi highlights the club's commitment to squad stability, even for players with limited recent appearances. Despite the midfielder's reduced role this season, the challenges of finding an adequate replacement have influenced Inter's choice to retain him for the foreseeable future.