Chelsea are reportedly keen on signing Inter Milan midfielder and Liverpool target Nicolo Barella in a part-exchange deal involving Romelu Lukaku.
According to Italian newspaper Il Corriere dello Sport, Chelsea have asked about the possibility of signing Nicolo Barella, a transfer target for fellow Premier League rivals Liverpool, in a package deal that would see Romelu Lukaku complete a permanent move to the San Siro.
With the opening of the summer transfer window, the rumour mill is starting to kick into full swing. Inter and Italy star Barella has been the subject of some startling links. A few days ago, a report surfaced suggesting that Newcastle United want to sign Barella and are closing in on his signature.
Those reports now appear to be wide of the mark, as Inter have little interest in selling their midfield technician, especially with a contract expiring in June 2026. The 26-year-old is a key player for the Nerazzurri and is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in Europe.
He starred in this season’s Champions League, netting three times to help Simone Inzaghi’s side on the road to Istanbul. Moreover, Inter view the former Cagliari man as a genuine candidate to inherit the captaincy in the near future.
Whilst Inter may well listen to offers even for a player like Barella, there will be no knock-down fees. It must be genuinely an astronomical offer in excess of €80 million to enter serious negotiations with the Coppa Italia winners for Barella.
Todd Boehly’s Chelsea are also interested in Barella. Despite not being in Europe next season, the Blues are still eyeing the 26-year-old Italian international as a midfield reinforcement, with Mateo Kovacic closing in on a move to Manchester City.
Moreover, Chelsea have already tested the waters with a part-exchange offer that will see Lukaku join the Italian side on a permanent basis. However, Inter have rebuffed this initial approach. The two clubs remain in ongoing talks over the future of the Belgian international, who is keen to return to Italy this summer after spending the season on loan with the Champions League finalists.
The Nerazzurri want to keep the Belgian striker at San Siro but only want a loan deal, and they are also interested in the Blues’ defender Kalidou Koulibaly. With Newcastle reported to be out of contention due to the heavy finances involved in the operation, Liverpool could be set to rival Chelsea in the race for Barella.
Following the signing of Alexis Mac Allister, Liverpool will sign at least one more important midfielder this summer. The Reds have been linked with other midfielders this summer, including Khephren Thuram and Manu Kone.
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The Merseysiders are understood to be long-term admirers of Barella and are monitoring the 26-year-old’s situation, with Jurgen Klopp said to be a big fan of the player. With extensive Premier League links, it will be interesting to see if Barella ends up leaving Inter Milan in a deal worth around €80 million this summer.
