Arsenal, Newcastle United and Liverpool are alert to Nicolo Barella’s contract situation as the Premier League clubs could plot a move.
According to Fichajes, Premier League clubs are closely monitoring Nicolo Barella’s contract situation with Inter Milan ahead of January. Newcastle United and Liverpool have held an interest since the summer, as Arsenal could join them in the hunt for the 26-year-old Serie A winner.
Nicolo Barella has made a mark at Inter Milan, shining at the San Siro since his big switch from Cagliari two-and-a-half years ago. He has helped the team win the Serie A crown while playing an instrumental role in last season’s run-in to the Champions League final.
Inter Milan refused to entertain offers during the summer from Premier League sides who kept knocking on the door for Barella. The Nerazzuri are eager to extend his current deal and put forward a new offer until 2028.
The extension certainly reflects on his current value in the team and comes with a massive pay rise, but Premier League clubs can easily exceed those numbers and present him with more lucrative terms. That’s the view of the report, which insists that a host of clubs are keeping a close watch on the situation.
The reality is that until Barella signs that extension with Inter Milan, rumours will persist in the media regarding a Premier League switch. On paper, the 26-year-old Serie A winner could take Sandro Tonali’s route in the summer and make a big move to England.
Liverpool have held an interest and could revive their chase ahead of January. The Reds are eager to sign a midfielder of Barella’s ilk, as they do not have a more defensive-minded presence in that midfield. However, the 26-year-old Serie A winner likes to play a more advanced role under Simone Inzaghi but is versatile enough to play any role in the middle.
Newcastle United had long considered a move next summer, although they had also considered a January approach. The Magpies have kept their plans under wrap for now, but they will enter the market for a new midfielder to replace Tonali following his ban.
Barella remains an option, but they must make resources available to execute such a transfer in January. The same problem may not persist with Arsenal, who have also kept tabs on the Italian. Mikel Arteta continued his search for a new midfielder, with Amadou Onana emerging on their shortlist recently.
Barella represents a good option for the Gunners to consider, although they will not pay over the odds. Inter Milan will undoubtedly demand a considerable price tag for their 26-year-old Serie A winner, meaning any move next month appears unlikely, although they would hope to sign him for the long term future.
