Diaby re-emerges as option for Inter as Chivu searches for Dumfries replacement
Quick summary
Moussa Diaby has re-emerged as a transfer target for Inter Milan, who are looking for a replacement for Denzel Dumfries.
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Attributed to original sourceMoussa Diaby’s name is appearing in Inter circles again as Cristian Chivu and his team seek a replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who left the Nerazzurri to join Real Madrid earlier this summer.
Diaby back in fashion for Inter but salary is an issue Inter have brought in John Stones, Ivan Provedel and Aleksandar Stankovic so far this summer but are still reportedly targeting the signing of Tottenham’s Cristian Romero and a new wing-back to replace Dumfries.
Chivu spoke recently about Inter’s need to add at least one more player out wide : “It depends on how you look at it. Maybe we’re missing one on the left. We have three wingers at the moment, or rather three and a half because Carlos (Augusto) can play there as well. And depending on how we look at Luis Henrique, who can play on the right or left, we’re still missing one,” the coach said after a pre-season friendly against Manchester City.
“There’s still a long way to go in the window, we need to be patient and choose well.”
Inter had explored deals for Marco Palestra prior to his move to Chelsea and for Union Saint Gilloise’s Anan Khalaili, only for his transfer to collapse after a medical.
According to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio and Sky Sport Italia , Diaby has ‘come back into fashion’ in Nerazzurri circles.
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – SEPTEMBER 12: Moussa Diaby of Al Ittihad reacts during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ittihad and Al-Fateh at Al Inmaa Stadium on September 12, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images) The former Aston Villa winger had also been linked with a move to San Siro during the January transfer, with reports that Inter were exploring a potential loan with an option or obligation to buy for a fee in the region of €35m.
The Diaby transfer fee is not the biggest concern for Inter, however. Convincing the player to take a significant cut on the monstrous salary that he earns with Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League might be, though.
Diaby reportedly earns a net salary of €15m in Saudi Arabia, not including bonuses that take the player’s wages beyond the €20m mark.
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What happened
Inter Milan are actively searching for a right wing-back to replace Denzel Dumfries, who appears set to leave the club. Moussa Diaby, the former Bayer Leverkusen winger, has re-emerged as a candidate for the role. Manager Cristian Chivu is said to be involved in identifying the right profile for the position. Diaby, currently at Al-Ahli, would bring pace and attacking quality to the flank if a deal can be completed.
Chance analysis
Inter's need to replace Dumfries signals a potential squad restructuring on the right flank, a position crucial to Simone Inzaghi's system. Diaby offers a different profile — more of an inverted winger than a traditional wing-back — which would represent a tactical shift. Chivu's involvement suggests the club is already planning beyond Dumfries, indicating confidence in his departure. From a prediction standpoint, Inter's right-flank dynamics could change significantly if Diaby arrives.
Inter's right flank would gain attacking quality but may lose defensive solidity if Diaby replaces Dumfries; Dumfries' departure weakens Inter unless adequately replaced.
Monitor Inter's right wing-back situation closely; if Diaby signs, expect a tactical adjustment that may affect both attacking width and defensive coverage on that side.