Chelsea have reportedly failed with an attempt to sign Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella in a deadline-day move.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, Chelsea approached Inter Milan regarding the availability of midfielder Nicolo Barella in this window. However, their approach has been swiftly rebuffed by the Nerazzurri, who are not willing to entertain a sale for their key midfielder this late on transfer deadline day.
Chelsea and Benfica remain deadlocked in negotiations over the transfer of Enzo Fernandez. The Blues have agreed to pay the Argentine midfielder’s release fee of £105 million in what would be a British record purchase. But they are only willing to pay it in staggered installments.
In fact, the west Londoners have even offered to pay more than the buy-out clause, given they can stagger a series of payments. That arrangement may benefit all parties. It enables Chelsea, who have spent almost £450 million on new signings in the past year, to avoid paying such a significant sum all at once.
However, Benfica have been adamant that Chelsea must pay Fernandez’s release clause in one lumpsum payment. This has resulted in an impasse between the two clubs, with Chelsea still in extensive talks to find a breakthrough.
The Blues favour a swoop for Enzo Fernandez but are considering alternatives in the middle of the park if they are unable to get a record deal for the Argentine done in time, having already sanctioned a deadline-day exit for veteran Italian playmaker Jorginho, who is set to join cross-London rivals and league leaders Arsenal.
Now, according to Tuttomercatoweb, Chelsea reached out to Inter to know whether they would be ready to part ways with Barella, which was immediately rebuffed. The Nerazzurri have no interest at all in losing the 25-year-old Italian international, who plays a key role in Simone Inzaghi’s squad.
Regarded as one of the best midfielders in world football, the 25-year-old is a mainstay at San Siro, having contributed six goals and five assists in 24 Serie A and Champions League outings. Keeping those statistics in mind and his overall influence on the team, it is no wonder Chelsea received a quick refusal from Inter.
Furthermore, Barella is under contract with Inter until the summer of 2026, meaning Inter are in no rush to sell their coveted asset. It seems Chelsea may have to realign their radars in search of potential Enzo Fernandez alternative. With the hours trickling away on deadline day, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea can find a breakthrough in their pursuit of World Cup winner or not.
