A report from Italian journalist Buchioni indicates that Internazionale's failure to acquire Palastela was primarily due to Oaktree Capital, not the management.
Despite weeks of negotiations, Inter ultimately failed to close the deal, and Palastela is now confirmed to join Chelsea for a total transfer fee reportedly reaching €60 million (including add-ons). Previously, Marotta, Ausilio, and others had been attempting to complete the signing for €45 million plus bonuses.
Italian media had previously reported that Inter's Oaktree Capital ownership group had earmarked a €50 million budget for signing Palastela this summer, with funds for other new signings to be raised through selling existing players.
However, as journalist Buchioni pointed out, this €50 million was insufficient for Inter to secure their primary "top target" for the summer.
Buchioni believes that while Marotta and Ausilio bear some responsibility, the larger responsibility lies with the club's owners. He stated that Marotta "had to spend considerable time explaining to and convincing Oaktree Capital to increase the budget," but the response "came too late."
Monday's report indicated that if Inter had been able to provide an additional €10 million in budget at that time, they could have finalized Palastela's transfer agreement with Atalanta "20 days before" Chelsea completed the signing.
However, while Inter waited for budget approval, Chelsea seized the opportunity to enter the race and made a higher offer. For Atalanta, this not only aligned with their financial interests but also avoided selling a key asset to a Serie A rival.
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