Marotta: Inter’s ideal candidate was Chivu, Akanji deal to be made permanent

Marotta links Inters ideal technical profile to Cristian Chivu

Inter president Beppe Marotta told reporters that the club's 'ideal' candidate for the role he discussed would have resembled the profile of Cristian Chivu, while explicitly expressing respect for Cesc Fàbregas. The comments, reported on May 4, 2026, underline how Inter's leadership are framing the club's technical and sporting identity when assessing targets.

Akanji deal to be made permanent, Marotta confirms

Marotta also confirmed that Manuel Akanji will be bought outright from Manchester City. The description in the source material states the transfer will be completed, but the metadata does not provide timing, fees, contract length or an official club statement — details that need confirmation before this report is treated as fully verified.

Who, what and when: Beppe Marotta (who) said the club's ideal candidate resembled Cristian Chivu and showed respect for Cesc Fàbregas (what) in comments published on May 4, 2026 (when). He additionally confirmed that Manuel Akanji will be bought outright from Manchester City, a transfer development that matters for Inter's squad planning and Serie A defensive options.

Why it matters for Inter's squad and transfer planning

Akanji being bought outright would secure a central defensive option for Inter beyond any loan arrangement or temporary agreement, affecting how Marotta and sporting director staff approach the summer window. The reference to Cristian Chivu as an 'ideal' candidate offers insight into the profile of player and professional Inter values: experience, positional intelligence and leadership. Marotta's mention of Cesc Fàbregas appears to be framed as a mark of respect rather than an indication of pursuit.

Key points

• Beppe Marotta compared Inter's ideal candidate to Cristian Chivu, according to the report.
• Marotta expressed respect for Cesc Fàbregas in the same comments.
• Marotta confirmed Manuel Akanji will be bought outright from Manchester City, per the source metadata.
• Source metadata does not include transfer fee, contract length, official club statement or direct quotes — those details require verification.

Context and remaining questions: The supplied metadata is limited. It establishes Marotta's comparisons and the Akanji purchase claim but leaves out substantive facts that readers will expect: precise wording of Marotta's remarks, whether the Akanji purchase is already finalised or agreed in principle, when the transfer will be completed, financial terms and how the move fits into Inter's summer plans. These items should be checked using the full Football Italia article or club communications.

What happens next

Follow-up reporting should confirm Akanji's status with an official Inter or Manchester City statement, disclose any transfer fee and contract details, and publish Marotta's full remarks. If the permanent signing is confirmed, expect Inter to adjust defensive recruitment in the summer transfer window accordingly.