Moussa Diaby has told Inter Milan he wants to join the Italian club next season, putting pressure on Al-Ittihad to decide whether to retain the France winger or negotiate his departure during the summer transfer window.
According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, the 26-year-old has been in direct contact with Inter officials in recent hours and has given his full approval to a move to San Siro. Diaby is reported to have made clear that he wants to return to European football, but the transfer will depend on Inter reaching a financial agreement with Al-Ittihad.
The report says Diaby no longer regards staying in the Saudi Pro League as part of his plans and is pushing strongly to leave the club this summer.
He sees Inter’s sporting project and the opportunity to compete in the UEFA Champions League as the right next step in his career. His preference has now become a significant factor in negotiations, although it does not by itself guarantee that a deal will be completed.
Formal discussions are currently taking place between Inter and Al-Ittihad. The financial figures involved have not been disclosed, with both clubs maintaining a high degree of secrecy around the negotiations.
Inter are understood to be hoping to use Diaby’s desire to move to Italy to reduce Al-Ittihad’s demands. The Saudi club signed the winger in a major deal relatively recently, meaning any decision to sell him is likely to involve careful consideration of the financial return.
Diaby is one of Inter’s main targets as they look to strengthen their options on the wing and improve their attacking depth before the start of the new season. His willingness to join has given the Italian side encouragement as it attempts to make progress with Al-Ittihad.
The player’s agreement is being viewed as accounting for half of the proposed transfer, while the outcome ultimately rests on whether Inter can persuade Al-Ittihad to release one of their leading players.
Al-Ittihad have not issued an official response. However, Diaby’s firm position has left the Saudi club facing a difficult choice: keep the winger despite his wish to leave, or sanction a transfer and secure a financial benefit before the window closes.
For now, negotiations remain ongoing, with Inter seeking to turn the player’s preference into an agreement between the two clubs.