Liverpool are reportedly willing to lodge a €70 million offer for Nicolo Barella, who is also a target for Manchester United.
According to a report by La Repubblica, as relayed by Sempre Inter, Liverpool are stepping up their efforts to sign Nicolo Barella in the summer transfer window, with a €70 million offer being formulated. The 24-year-old Italian international is also the subject of interest from Manchester United.
Nicolo Barella has become one of the most coveted midfielders in the game since joining Inter Milan from Cagliari in the summer of 2019. Initially signed on loan by the Nerazzurri, the young midfielder was signed permanently soon enough by the Serie A giants.
To date, the 24-year-old has made 87 appearances for Inter Milan, chipping in with seven goals and 21 assists. His progress has invariably caught the attention of some of the biggest clubs in the world, with Liverpool and Manchester currently in pursuit of the Italian international.
The interest from Liverpool makes a world of sense, with the Reds yet to replace Georginio Wijnaldum following his move to Paris Saint-Germain. While Jurgen Klopp does have as many as seven midfielders at his disposal, it is important to note that Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have not proven to be reliable lately, while James Milner is in the twilight of his career.
So, after being on the receiving end of some harsh lessons last season after failing to replace Dejan Lovren, it is a prudent move for Liverpool to sign a midfielder, with Barella a viable target. Manchester United, on the other hand, are the latest entrants in the race to sign the 24-year-old.
The Red Devils are in a precarious situation over the future of Paul Pogba, who has been linked with a possible exit from Old Trafford in yet another summer window. If the Frenchman does end up leaving this year, Manchester United will need to sign a top-class replacement, with Barella certainly an option worth considering.
Another player on Manchester United’s radar is Eduardo Camavinga, but the recent emergence of Chelsea in his pursuit is forcing them to consider alternatives. However, Manchester United will need to move quickly to make ground in the chase for Barella, with Liverpool readying a €70 million bid.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan are adamant that they will not make any more big sales after Achraf Hakimi’s move to PSG, as they continue striving to balance their books amid a financial turmoil. However, a big bid from Liverpool could well turn their head.
What now remains to be seen is if Manchester United are ready to match Liverpool’s offer or outbid them altogether. For now, the two most successful English clubs of all time appear to be hot on the trails of Barella, whose stance over leaving Inter Milan will also be interesting to see.
