Reports are growing rapidly that Suning would prefer to sell 30 per cent of Inter to PIF rather than the whole club to BC Partners.
The Chinese group are seeking new revenue streams and sold 25 per cent of their retail company to help shore up the situation following losses related to the pandemic.
Reports are growing rapidly that Suning would prefer to sell 30 per cent of Inter to PIF rather than the whole club to BC Partners.
The Chinese group are seeking new revenue streams and sold 25 per cent of their retail company to help shore up the situation following losses related to the pandemic.
They have been in advanced talks with BC Partners to sell the whole Serie A club for at least €800m, but it was reported today in La Gazzetta dello Sport that there was also interest from PIF (Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund).
Sports writer Ben Jacobs confirmed the story is “correct” on his Twitter account, noting that Yasir Al Rumayyan has been involved in the negotiations.
Unlike BC Partners, PIF are only looking for circa 30 per cent investment in Inter, which would allow Suning to keep hold of the club, but also continue the growth process with fresh funds.
It has been suggested that Steven Zhang wants to maintain control of Inter, especially now they are top of the Serie A table, whereas his father Zhang Jindong is in favour of an outright sale.
Saudi Arabia hosted two editions of the Italian Supercup in recent years, even after the Lega Serie A came under fire for accepting the proposal amid various human rights and piracy issues.
PIF have also been looking to invest in Newcastle United.