Inter Milan shuts down Neymar link; Ausilio stays put as Saudi talks swirl and Conte touts Gilmore's rise
17 October 2025
Inter blocks Neymar link as Ausilio stays put amid Saudi whispers
Inter Milan’s sporting director Piero Ausilio dismissed the gossip surrounding Neymar da Silva’s possible move to the Nerazzurri, labeling it "absolute nonsense" and stating there are no plans to depart for Saudi Arabia.
Earlier in the week, Neymar’s representatives reportedly pitched the star to Inter, but Ausilio told Tuttosport that the idea was false: “Neymar? Nonsense. I’m happy to stay at Inter.”
Ausilio also touched on his own future amid reports of interest from Saudi clubs ahead of the January transfer window, stressing his commitment to the club and the contract he signed through 2027.
Meanwhile, reports in the Arabic and Italian press suggested Al Hilal were exploring the possibility of recruiting an Inter official to reunite with former Nerazzurri boss Simone Inzaghi, who left the club in the summer after the European disappointment in Paris.
When asked if a Saudi mega-offer could tempt him, Ausilio said, “Anything can be sacrificed,” signaling that loyalty and stability remain central to his plans for Inter.
In Serie A, Antonio Conte weighed in on the evolving landscape around McTominay, noting that the Scot’s standing has changed and opponents now treat him differently. Yet Conte expressed full faith in Billy Gilmore to cover for the injured Stanislav Lobotka as needed ahead of Napoli’s away game against Torino.
Conte’s remarks also touched on squad health and rotation, with Bonanno, Politanano, and Rahmani progressing in training and ready to contribute as Inter navigates a congested schedule.
Conte highlighted that McTominay’s shift in position last season—moving him around to maximize space for teammates—has altered how defenses approach him, and that Gilmore has repeatedly proven himself when called upon.
With the Italian champion’s calendar packed, Conte warned of continued lineup rotation, especially in attack, to balance energy and performance across seven matches in 22 days.
On the broader picture, Conte praised McTominay’s adaptability, while acknowledging the need for squad depth and the timely integration of Gilmore as a ready replacement for the injured players, including Lobotka and Rahmani.
In closing, Inter’s management remains focused on renewing contracts and preparing for January, rather than chasing headlines or astronomical offers.
Inter’s stance is clear: deny the noise, trust the project, and keep the target in sight—the field, not the rumors.
Sniper’s punchline 1: If rumors were bullets, Inter’s firing blanks—no hit, just a lot of echo in the rumor mill.
Sniper’s punchline 2: In the transfer range, Ausilio shoots straight—gossip falls short, while contracts stay locked and loaded.
