Manchester United have reportedly reignited their interest in Nicolo Barella, the €50 million-rated Cagliari midfielder who is also a target for Chelsea.
As per a report by Tribal Football (h/t Gazzetta dello Sport), Nicolo Barella is the subject of interest from Manchester United, who are plotting a late move for the Italian international. The Cagliari midfielder is also being chased by United’s Premier League rivals Chelsea, as well as Inter Milan.
Nicolo Barella has seen his stock skyrocket this season, wherein he has continued to remain a key player for Cagliari. The 21-year-old has featured in all but one game for the Rossoblu, a standout in what has been an average campaign for the Serie A outfit.
But, his advent this season could spell trouble for Cagliari, who could end up losing the services of Barella soon. The player has been tailed by several clubs in and outside Italy, with Chelsea reportedly the favourites in his pursuit. Now though, Manchester United have emerged as possible suitors again.
Midfield is not one of the departments that has been touted to be on the Red Devils’ priority list for reinforcements. But, Manchester United could be forced into the market for a midfielder, with Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini being heavily linked with a departure from Old Trafford.
Chelsea, on the other hand, are on the lookout for a midfielder owing to Cesc Fabregas’ departure to AS Monaco this month. Additionally, Chelsea having no option to make Mateo Kovacic’s move a permanent one leave the Croat’s future at Stamford Bridge uncertain, thereby accentuating the need to bolster the midfield.
While Leandro Paredes had emerged as the priority for Chelsea, PSG are now the favourites to sign him, meaning Barella becomes a more approachable target, if only to reinforce an entire department instead of recruiting an option for a certain position. Manchester United though, are ready to launch the offensive for the Italian international.
Inter Milan are also in the hunt for Barella, but possible Financial Fair Play implications mean that the Nerazzurri might not be able to angle for a permanent move. Manchester United and Chelsea are thus, the likelier suitors to land the 21-year-old in a €50 million deal.
The ball though, is undoubtedly in Cagliari’s court, considering there are only a few days left for the transfer window to slam shut. But, it remains to be seen if Nicolo Barella makes his way to the Premier League to join Manchester United or Chelsea, or if he stays put at the Sardegna Arena.
