Chelsea are reportedly vying with Liverpool and Manchester United for the signature of Nicolo Barella, with Inter Milan having no intention of selling him.
According to a report by Italian publication Tuttosport, the race to sign Nicolo Barella on the summer transfer window continues to heat up. Chelsea are the latest club to have been linked with the Italian international, who is also the subject of interest from Liverpool and Manchester United.
Nicolo Barella has been a midfield performer par excellence in Serie A since joining Inter Milan from Cagliari. Initially signed on loan by the Nerazzurri, the Italian made such a rapid impression at San Siro that a permanent switch was duly completed as well.
A pivotal contributor to Inter’s 2020/21 Serie A triumph, Barella has so far notched up a tally of seven goals and 21 assists in 87 appearances for the Italian giants. He was also an integral member of the Italy side that won UEFA Euro 2020 and it is hardly surprising that he has attracted the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United.
Liverpool have been hot on the trails of the 24-year-old all summer long, having identified him as a viable option to replace Georginio Wijnaldum. That Barella will also bring creativity to the plate for the Reds only seeks to further make him an appealing target at Anfield; so much so that a bid is reportedly in the works as well.
As for Manchester United, they continue to be in a precarious position over the future of Paul Pogba, who is once again being linked a potential summer exit from Old Trafford. If the Frenchman does end up leaving, the Red Devils will need to sign a replacement, with Barella emerging as one such option.
Chelsea are now the latest entrants in the race to sign the Italian international, although their interest comes as a bit of a surprise. After all, the Blues have three of the best midfielders on their roster in Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante and Jorginho. However, following Billy Gilmour’s loan move to Norwich City, a space in the midfield unit has opened up.
To fill this void, Chelsea have been linked with Eduardo Camavinga, who is also a target for Manchester United. And Barella has now emerged on the west Londoners’ radar, with Liverpool and United being their rivals in pursuit of the 24-year-old.
However, Inter Milan are determined to keep hold of the Italian international, who they view as their next captain once Samir Handanovic calls it quits at San Siro. Amid such a stance, it will be a tough ask for Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United to land Barella, although it remains to be seen if they can test Inter’s resolve with a big bid.
