Simone Inzaghi has left the Italian outfit after four years in charge and joined Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, with De Zerbi, who reportedly has a release clause in his contract, being viewed as a possible replacement.

Reports stated that the Italian would have wanted control of Inter’s transfer strategy due to his belief that the squad needed to be overhauled in order to meet the demands of his philosophy and playing style.

Nevertheless, De Zerbi was quick to quash those rumours as he spoke to a group of journalists during a ceremony where he was made an honorary citizen of Foggia, a club he managed for two years from 2014-2016.

When asked about interest from Inter, he said: “I’m happy in Marseille and I haven’t received any calls from other clubs.”

De Zerbi was appointed as manager of Marseille in June 2024 after spending nearly two seasons in England with Brighton and Hove Albion.

His first season in charge was a successful one, as he guided the club to second place in Ligue 1, which was its highest finish for three years.

Marseille was potent in front of goal, with 74 goals from 34 games this season, a record only bettered by treble winner and bitter rival Paris Saint-Germain.