Nantes Decline €13m Bid from Inter Milan for Promising Defender Nathan Zeze

Nantes Decline €13m Bid from Inter Milan for Promising Defender Nathan Zeze Jul, 23 2024

Nantes Deny Inter Milan's €13 Million Offer for Nathan Zeze

The French football club Nantes has reportedly rejected a €13 million bid from Inter Milan for their highly regarded young defender Nathan Zeze. Zeze, who is only 19 years old, made an impressive 22 appearances in Ligue 1 last season, establishing himself as a reliable option in defense. This performance hasn’t gone unnoticed, as other prominent clubs have also shown interest in the budding footballer.

Inter Milan's Defensive Conundrum

Inter Milan's pursuit of Nathan Zeze comes on the back of an injury crisis. The Italian club's left-sided wingback, Buchanan, suffered a significant leg injury at the Copa America, which has left him sidelined for the first few months of the new season. Buchanan's injury has left a gaping hole in Inter's defense, necessitating urgent action to find a suitable replacement. In the meantime, Carlos Augusto has taken on the left-wingback role exclusively, which further highlights the need for another defensive recruit to balance the squad.

Scouting for Young Talent

The Nerazzurri have indicated a preference for younger talents, driven by the club's owners, Oaktree. They believe in the potential of young players who can be molded and developed into world-class talents. This strategy has directed their scouting efforts towards promising defenders available either on a free transfer, loan, or at a reasonable fee. Nathan Zeze fits this profile perfectly, making him a prime target for the Italian giants.

Other Targets on the Radar

Inter Milan had earlier set their sights on Juan Cabal, but the young talent eventually joined their Serie A rivals Juventus. With Cabal off the table, Inter have a list of alternative options, including Ricardo Rodriguez, Mario Hermoso, Robert Renan, Jakub Kiwior, and Johan Vazquez. Each of these players presents a unique set of skills and experiences, making them viable candidates to reinforce Inter's defense.

Why Nantes Holds On

Nantes' decision to hold onto Nathan Zeze may stem from several key considerations. Firstly, Zeze has been a standout performer in their squad, bringing stability and resilience to the defense. Losing such a vital player would weaken their defensive lineup considerably, especially as they prepare for the new season. Secondly, rejecting Inter's offer might be a strategic move to either retain Zeze's services or drive up his market value to attract an even higher bid from interested clubs.

The Financial Aspect

The financial implications of this transfer saga are significant for both clubs. For Inter Milan, securing a young and talented defender like Zeze could be a long-term investment that pays off handsomely both on the field and financially. For Nantes, holding out for a potentially higher bid resonates with their intention to maximize their earnings from any potential sale of Zeze. It remains to be seen whether Inter will return with an improved offer or pivot to another target.

The Road Ahead

With the transfer window open, the footballing world is paying close attention to the moves made by top clubs like Inter Milan. The Nerazzurri’s decision and subsequent actions will provide crucial insights into their strategic direction and ambitions for the coming season. Meanwhile, Nathan Zeze's future remains uncertain, with a blend of opportunity and expectation surrounding the young defender's next career move. For now, he continues to don the Nantes jersey, showcasing his talents and adding to his growing reputation.

The weeks ahead promise to be filled with intense speculation, negotiations, and, potentially, major surprises as clubs vie for the best talents to bolster their squads. Inter Milan’s pursuit of Nathan Zeze is certainly a storyline to watch, encapsulating the drama, anticipation, and excitement that define the football transfer window.

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17 Comments

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    maggie barnes

    July 23, 2024 AT 08:53
    Nantes are idiots. €13m for a 19yo who played 22 games? That’s chump change. Inter should’ve just signed him and let him rot on the bench. Or better yet, steal him for free next year when Nantes panic. 🤦‍♀️
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    Lewis Hardy

    July 24, 2024 AT 08:40
    Honestly, I think Nantes are doing the right thing. Zeze is a gem. They’re not a豪门 club-they need to keep their best talent to stay competitive. If Inter really want him, they’ll have to pay more. That’s how football works. Patience pays off.
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    ria ariyani

    July 24, 2024 AT 15:51
    I can’t believe Nantes are even considering this!! I mean, INTER MILAN?!?!?!!? Like, are they serious?!? Zeze is going to be a superstar and they’re just sitting on him like it’s a time capsule??!!? I’m literally shaking right now. 😭🔥
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    Emily Nguyen

    July 26, 2024 AT 05:49
    Inter’s defense is a dumpster fire. Buchanan’s injury exposed their entire left flank. Zeze isn’t just a replacement-he’s a solution. Nantes holding out? Classic European minnow behavior. They think they’re Juventus. They’re not. They’re Nantes. And Zeze’s next club will be a top-5 side. Mark my words.
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    Ruben Figueroa

    July 27, 2024 AT 19:39
    So Nantes are holding out for more? Cute. 😏 Meanwhile, Zeze’s mom is probably crying in the stands because her son’s gonna get sold to a club that doesn’t even speak French. And Inter? They’ll sign a 32yo veteran next week and call it ‘depth’. Classic. 🤡
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    Gabriel Clark

    July 29, 2024 AT 04:19
    This is a textbook case of club philosophy clashing with financial reality. Nantes operates on sustainable development; Inter operates on immediate results. Zeze represents the future for both, but only one club is willing to wait. That’s not a failure-it’s integrity.
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    Elizabeth Price

    July 29, 2024 AT 15:21
    Wait, did they say €13M? That’s barely enough to cover his agent’s commission. And Inter? They’re desperate because they let their entire backline age into retirement. Zeze is 19, not a miracle. He’s a kid who played 22 games. That’s not a superstar. That’s a guy who didn’t get benched.
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    Steve Cox

    July 30, 2024 AT 03:07
    I don’t get why everyone’s acting like this is a big deal. Nantes are a mid-table team. They’re not going to win anything. Zeze is going to get bought eventually. The only reason they’re holding out is because they think they’re smart. They’re not. They’re just scared of losing their only good player. And Inter? They’re just another club that buys hype and then benches it. I’ve seen this movie. It ends in tears.
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    Aaron Leclaire

    July 30, 2024 AT 21:16
    Nantes keep him.
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    Mitch Roberts

    July 31, 2024 AT 03:51
    I’m so hyped for Zeze! He’s got that raw energy, you know? Like, he doesn’t just defend-he *destroys*. Nantes are lucky to have him. And Inter? They need him more than they need their 3rd striker. Let’s gooooo! 🚀💙
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    Mark Venema

    August 1, 2024 AT 23:39
    The economic model of modern football necessitates strategic asset retention for clubs with limited revenue streams. Nantes, as a mid-tier Ligue 1 entity, must prioritize long-term value creation over short-term liquidity. The €13 million bid, while substantial, does not reflect the projected market appreciation of Zeze, whose ceiling exceeds that of established European starters. To sell now would be financially irresponsible.
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    Brian Walko

    August 3, 2024 AT 21:59
    This is exactly how football should work. Clubs like Nantes build talent. Clubs like Inter buy it. It’s a symbiotic relationship. Nantes deserve to profit. Inter deserves to compete. Let the market decide. No drama. No panic. Just smart football.
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    Derrek Wortham

    August 4, 2024 AT 14:58
    I’ve been saying this for months-Inter’s entire transfer strategy is broken. They don’t scout. They don’t develop. They just chase headlines. Zeze? He’s not even their top target. They’re just doing this because they saw a tweet. Meanwhile, Nantes are quietly building something real. And guess what? The real fans know the difference.
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    Deepti Chadda

    August 6, 2024 AT 12:23
    Inter Milan? Ha! They haven't won anything since 2010 and they think they can buy talent? Zeze is Indian blood! I mean not really but still he should play for India! 🇮🇳🔥
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    Anjali Sati

    August 6, 2024 AT 14:46
    Nantes are fools. €13m is peanuts. Zeze is going to be a world-class defender. They’re holding out for more? That’s what every small club says. Then they lose him for free a year later. Classic. They’re just delaying the inevitable.
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    Preeti Bathla

    August 7, 2024 AT 04:37
    I’m so mad right now. Nantes think they’re protecting their star? They’re just jealous! Zeze deserves to play in Serie A! He’s got the soul of a champion! And Inter? They’re the only team that truly understands greatness! Why are they even negotiating?! Just sign him now and stop wasting everyone’s time! 😭💔
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    Aayush ladha

    August 7, 2024 AT 08:33
    Nantes holding out? Bold. But Inter will come back with €18m. And Zeze will go. Because that’s how it works. No one stays in Ligue 1 forever. Not even the best. The system is rigged. And Nantes? They’re just part of the machine.

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