Moussa Diaby: Inter Milan change tack in pursuit of Al-Ittihad winger

Inter Milan have made a fresh attempt to sign Al-Ittihad winger Moussa Diaby by proposing a €28m loan deal for one season, after the Saudi club hesitated over an earlier offer for a permanent transfer.

The French forward has returned to the centre of the summer transfer picture as Inter step up their efforts to take him before the start of the new season. The Italian club initially offered €40m to buy Diaby outright, but Al-Ittihad have yet to decide whether to accept that proposal.

With no agreement reached on a permanent move, Inter have changed their negotiating strategy. Their latest proposal is designed to offer Al-Ittihad a different route while still providing the club with a substantial financial return from the player’s departure.

Saudi journalist Mohammed Al-Bakiri reported that Inter’s new offer would see Diaby join them on loan for a single season in return for €28m. The proposal follows several days of uncertainty from Al-Ittihad over whether to approve a full sale.

Inter believe the loan structure could be more acceptable to Al-Ittihad’s management. Under that arrangement, the Saudi club would receive significant income immediately while retaining the opportunity to reassess Diaby’s position once the season has ended.

That option could give Al-Ittihad more time before making a final decision on the player’s long-term future. It also represents an attempt by Inter to complete the deal in a form they believe may be easier for the Saudi club to accept than an outright transfer.

Diaby, however, is understood to favour a permanent move if he is to leave Al-Ittihad. The player considers settling with a new club on a long-term basis preferable to joining on loan, which could leave him facing another change of direction after only one season.

His preference means that the structure of any agreement remains an important part of the negotiations. Although Inter are determined to pursue the transfer, Diaby’s own view is that a permanent switch would provide greater stability and avoid the possibility of returning to his starting point once the loan ends.

The final decision remains with Al-Ittihad, whose management is continuing to examine all the available options before determining Diaby’s future. Inter Milan remain committed to completing the move in whatever format proves possible before the transfer window closes.

The latest development brings Diaby’s future back into focus after the initial €40m proposal failed to produce a definitive response. Al-Ittihad must now consider whether the immediate financial benefit of a €28m season-long loan is preferable to selling the player permanently, while also taking into account the player’s desire for a lasting move if he leaves the club.