Inter president Marotta shuts down Galatasaray on Hakan Çalhanoğlu

Inter president Beppe Marotta has emphatically shut down any lingering speculation regarding Hakan Çalhanoğlu's future, declaring the Turkish midfielder unequivocally "our player in every way and called up for pre-season." This definitive statement from the top brass aims to put a firm end to a transfer saga that had seen Çalhanoğlu openly express his desire for a move to Turkish Super Lig giants Galatasaray, the club he has supported since childhood.

Despite the midfielder's clear eagerness for a return to his roots, reports indicate that Galatasaray's offer on the table was nowhere near Inter's asking price. Consequently, talks between the two clubs were swiftly abandoned, leaving Çalhanoğlu set to remain at San Siro.

Inter confident Çalhanoğlu saga is over

Speaking to reporters after leaving a Lega Serie A meeting this afternoon, Inter President Marotta addressed the persistent questions about Çalhanoğlu's situation. His response was direct and left no room for doubt: "He is our player in every way and he is called up for pre-season."

Çalhanoğlu's return to pre-season training will mark a significant moment, as it will be the first time he and star striker Lautaro Martinez have been together since a widely publicized disagreement erupted during the FIFA Club World Cup. The dispute reportedly stemmed from Çalhanoğlu's desire to leave the club at that time.

Meanwhile, Marotta also used the opportunity to confirm another imminent transfer, that of striker Valentin Carboni to Genoa on a one-season loan deal. "He is ours and will go to Genoa, the right destination with a fine coach like Patrick Vieira," Marotta stated, indicating confidence in Carboni's development under the former Arsenal legend. Regarding the future of Sebastiano Esposito, Marotta remained less committal, simply stating, "we will see."

The Inter chief also largely brushed off questions about Parma defender Giovanni Leoni, who has reportedly been slapped with a hefty €40 million price tag. "He is a fine talent, but he is not ours," Marotta remarked, signaling a lack of immediate interest from the Nerazzurri.

With Çalhanoğlu's immediate future seemingly resolved and other transfer business being handled, Inter appears focused on their pre-season preparations, aiming for a strong start to the new campaign without further distractions.