Vieri stays as Inter go for the Kily

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has reiterated his stance on striker Christian Vieri, insisting the Italian international is not for sale.

Vieri has been the subject of interest from Chelsea but even the spending power of Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich was unable to prize him away from the San Siro.

Chelsea had a bid rejected earlier in the summer but Moratti insists the London club have not returned with a larger offer.

“With regards to the Vieri affair, Abramovich knew there was no point in insisting and he stepped back in good time,” Moratti said.

Vieri was the top scorer in Serie A last season with 24 goals in 23 games. But despite that impressive haul, many observers felt Inter lacked creation in midfield and down the flanks.

Coach Hector Cuper has moved to alleviate the problem by snapping up wingers Khalilou Fadiga, Andy van der Meyde and Luciano but Moratti has revealed another wide man is also set to join the Nerazzurri.

Valencia‘s Argentine international is the latest target with talks already at an advanced stage.

“We are negotiating Kily Gonzalez’s transfer, they tell me discussions are in the final stages,” Moratti told Gazzetta dello Sport.

Should the 29-year-old join Inter, he is likely to be Cuper‘s final signing of the summer.

The new boys have failed to sparkle so far and were not exempt from criticism as Inter crashed to a 3-0 defeat at Ajax in the Amsterdam tournament last weekend.

Despite that setback, however, Moratti is confident the squad will show their worth over the coming months.

“Cuper is satisfied,” Moratti added. “Van der Meyde is an important player and can become the fans’ hero, with (Sabri) Lamouchi we have acquired an organiser in midfield and Luciano has already proven more than what I expected of him.”

After five seasons without any silverware, the Inter fans are growing tired of failure but Moratti is convinced hard work will reap rewards.

“I hope this Inter can find again the enthusiasm, that is enough for me and for the fans,” he said.