Barcelona have reportedly set their sights on Inter Milan superstar Nicolo Barella as their desired alternative for Georginio Wijnaldum.
According to Fichajes, FC Barcelona’s failed pursuit of Georginio Wijnaldum has led them towards Inter Milan midfield ace Nicolo Barella. It is believed Joan Laporta is keen on making a big-money signing in the summer in an attempt to not only signal a statement on intent but also fix one of the problems areas in the current squad.
Barcelona, as a result, have set their sights on Barella, taking advantage of Inter Milan’s financial turmoil that could force them to part ways with at least one of their star players in the summer. The newly crowned Serie A champions are already facing a battle to keep hold of star player Achraf Hakimi, who is being courted by Chelsea.
As far as Barella is concerned, he is being identified as Barcelona’s desired alternative for Wijnaldum, who has recently moved to Paris Saint-Germain. The former Liverpool midfielder was heavily linked with a switch to Camp Nou and could have become the next free agent to join the club – following the footsteps of Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia.
Barella, meanwhile, is expected to cost a fortune, having become one of Serie A’s best midfielders with his performances for Inter. The 24-year-old’s contributions this past season was particularly critical in helping the Nerazzurri seal the title, with the Italian international building a mesmerising partnership with Hakimi on the right-hand side of the attack.
Barcelona, unfortunately, are not in a position to spend the big bucks in the market. However, they can produce transfer revenue by getting rid of some of their star players, which is why Laporta is reportedly willing to offload the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Miralem Pjanic and even new signing Emerson Royal, as the report suggests.
Griezmann, for one, has been no stranger to speculations linking him with a move away from Camp Nou. He was recently targeted by Liverpool, which might still emerge as a potential destination for the French forward. His sale could indeed go a long way in helping Barcelona secure the services of Barella.
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The Inter Milan midfield ace will become an ideal solution for Barcelona’s lack of a reliable ball-carrier and a chance creator. Barella could, thus, fit in effortlessly, potentially creating a formidable partnership alongside the likes of Frenkie de Jong, Pedri and Sergino Dest.
