Real Madrid are reportedly interested in raiding Inter Milan for midfielder Nicolo Barella, who is also a target for Premier League champions Liverpool.
According to a report from Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, reigning La Liga champions Real Madrid are looking at the prospect of signing Inter Milan and Italy midfielder Nicolo Barella in the summer. The 23-year-old is also a target for Premier League giants Liverpool.
A product of the Cagliari youth academy, Barella rose through the ranks at the Sardinian outfit, establishing himself as one of the most promising young midfielders in Italy. Having been piqued by his potential, Inter Milan signed him up in the summer of 2019, initially on loan before making his move permanent last summer.
During his time at San Siro, Barella has quickly become an integral member of Antonio Conte’s side, establishing himself as the beating heart of the Nerazzurri midfield. Till date, the 23-year-old has 25 times in all competitions this term, scoring two goals and setting up eight more.
Barella has impressed with his top class energy levels and his ability to make vital contributions at both ends of the pitch. And his rise to prominence in Serie A clearly has not gone unnoticed, with Real Madrid being interested in signing him up in the near future.
Real Madrid will soon need to bring in a new midfielder as a long-term replacement for star man Luka Modric. The Croatian international has been going quite strong despite being 35 years old. But, there is no denying that he is in the twilight of his career and Los Blancos need to put a proper succession plan in place for him.
This has seen Zinedine Zidane’s side get linked with a host of midfielders, including Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar. However, it seems like the Merengues are keeping their options open, with Barella also a potential target for the Spanish champions.
Having said that, they are not alone in pursuit of the Italian international, with Premier League champions Liverpool also keen on signing him up. The Reds are staring at the prospect of losing long-term servant Georginio Wijnaldum, with his contract expiring at the end of the season, and Barella would be a fine replacement for the Dutch international.
In addition, the report claims that Barcelona are also keeping tabs on Barella and had approached Inter Milan last summer and could do so again later this year, once their presidential election mess is sorted out. Furthermore, Bayern Munich are also said to have made enquiries for the 23-year-old midfielder.
Barella is contracted with Inter Milan till the summer of 2024. However, given the number of big clubs interested in signing him, it will be interesting to see if he remains with the Nerazzurri beyond the ongoing campaign.