Inter Milan target Moussa Diaby seeks European return from Al-Ittihad

Moussa Diaby has told Inter Milan he wants to join them next season, putting pressure on Al-Ittihad as the two clubs negotiate over a potential summer transfer.

The France winger has given Inter his full approval to wear the club’s colours and has asked the Italian side to reach an agreement with his current Saudi Pro League club, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Diaby is understood to have contacted Inter officials directly in recent hours to make clear that he wants to return to European football through a move to San Siro. His preference is for the clubs to settle the financial details required to complete the deal.

The 26-year-old no longer considers remaining in the Saudi Pro League to be part of his plans and is pushing strongly for a departure during this summer’s transfer window.

He believes Inter’s sporting project, together with the opportunity to compete in the Champions League, represents the most suitable next step in his career.

Formal negotiations are now taking place between Inter and Al-Ittihad, although the financial figures involved have not been disclosed. Inter hope Diaby’s clear desire to move will help them reduce the Saudi club’s demands.

Al-Ittihad signed Diaby in a major deal a relatively short time ago, and the size of that investment is expected to be an important factor in discussions over his possible departure.

Inter regard Diaby as one of their main targets for strengthening the wing position. The club’s coach is seeking to improve the team’s attacking options before the start of the new season, with Diaby’s availability making him a central figure in that recruitment process.

The player’s agreement is considered to account for half of the proposed transfer, while the outcome will depend on whether Inter can persuade Al-Ittihad to release one of their leading players.

No official comment has yet been issued by Al-Ittihad. However, Diaby’s firm decision has placed the Saudi club under significant pressure as it weighs two options: keeping the winger despite his wish to leave, or accepting a transfer and securing a financial return before the window closes.

For Inter, the player’s position provides encouragement but does not guarantee that the move will happen. The Italian club must still reach terms with Al-Ittihad, which retains control of the transfer unless an agreement can be reached between the two administrations.

The negotiations therefore remain the decisive stage of the proposed move. Diaby has made his preference clear, but his return to Europe will depend on whether Inter can match, or negotiate down, the valuation set by Al-Ittihad.