Inter Milan target Marco Verratti has admitted he would not be able to turn down a chance to play for Barcelona
According to Le 10 Sport, Verratti is “particularly attracted” by the prospect of a transfer to Barcelona next summer and has admitted that he would not be able to turn down a chance to play for the Spanish giants. Verratti also expressed his admiration for three particular Barcelona players.
“Although I am in a big project and feel at home at PSG, anyone would want to play for Barça,” he said, according to Le 10 Sport. “They are always the best team in the world. They have three of the best players in attack, in addition to Iniesta. Iniesta, Messi and Neymar can create chances within a second.”
The Italian midfielder joined Paris Saint-Germain back in 2012 for a £10 million transfer fee from Pescara. He has since gone on to become one of the most highly rated central midfielders in Europe and has become a key part of PSG’s side.
Verratti is a technically gifted player capable of keeping the ball under intense pressure thanks to his brilliant close control. His passing ability is also incredible and his range of passing coupled with his vision makes him one of the most well-rounded midfielders in the world at the moment.
This season, he has picked up 2 goals and 4 assists in 22 appearances in the Champions League and Ligue 1. Verratti is also averaging 1.47 key passes, 1.35 chances created, 2.42 successful dribbles and an impressive 3.15 tackles per 90 minutes, according to Squawka.
Verratti has been linked with moves to Chelsea in the past and in January emerged as a priority target for Serie A side Inter Milan. It was reported that Inter were looking to agree a swap deal involving one of Geoffrey Kondogbia and Ever Banega in an effort to persuade PSG to sell.
Inter are looking to revamp their squad and invest heavily now that they have the financial backing of Chinese owners Suning and the fact that Verratti is an Italian international will only further attract the Nerazzurri to the prospect of signing him.
If Verratti’s comments are anything to go by, however, he would turn down all other approaches if Barcelona come knocking. Given his ability, Verratti would even be a good fit for the Blaugranes and perfectly suits their style of play.
Barcelona will definitely be looking for a long-term successor for Andres Iniesta as the Spaniard will turn 33 in May, and Ivan Rakitic has also been heavily linked with moves away from the club in the summer.
At just 24, Verratti has both the ability and time on his side to play in Barcelona’s midfield for years to come and the Catalans will definitely have been keeping an eye on the diminutive Italian. Verratti may just get his wish at some point in the future.