Newcastle United have recently been linked with a move for £70 million-rated Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella, who does not want to move to the St. James’ Park.
According to Football Insider, Newcastle United have been dealt a setback in their pursuit of Italian midfielder Nicolo Barella. The Magpies had fancied the box-to-box enforcer as an ideal candidate in Eddie Howe’s bid to add more quality and creativity to the midfield department. But they are now set to face defeat in their attempt as the player himself is not keen on a potential move to St. James’ Park this summer.
Earlier this week, The Telegraph reported that Newcastle are closing in on a sensational swoop for Champions League finalist Barella and are pushing hard to sign the Italian international this summer from Inter Milan.
The report added that the majority of Howe’s summer budget has been earmarked for two elite midfield additions in Barella and James Maddison in a potential rebuild of that area alongside Bruno Guimaraes as Newcastle look to continue battling against the traditional top six and compete in the top European competition next season.
The report sparked excitement among the Toon fanbase. And why not? After all, Barella is often regarded as one of the top midfielders in Europe and one of the best players in Serie A.
The classy 26-year-old midfielder could be the first big-name signing of this summer transfer window for Eddie Howe, having played a key role in the Italian side’s run to the Champions League final with three goals to his name. In addition, he racked up six goals and six assists in league play coming out of the 2022/23 season.
Since then, several Italian media outlets have responded with conflicting reports, stating that Barella’s agent has not spoken to anyone so far and has not spoken to the Magpies either. Others stated the Nerazzurri are not willing to part ways with the 26-year-old and consider him non-transferable this summer, barring a genuinely astronomical offer, which Newcastle are unlikely to put forward.
Now, Football Insider have come up with a fresh report of their own, claiming the player, who is a boyhood Inter fan, is uninterested in a move away from San Siro. Moreover, Newcastle’s proposed offer of £50 million falls way off the mark of Inter’s £70 million asking price, which stands tall despite the latter’s perilous financial position.
Eddie Howe has also insisted Newcastle won’t shatter their wage ceiling this summer, which would be required if they were to pull off the Barella transfer. His wages at Inter are currently over £150,000 per week plus bonuses. So it would take a significant raise to entice him from the club he loves.
The report states that only one of the Premier League’s top guns could persuade him away from the 2023 Coppa Italia winners due to the hefty finances involved in the deal, which means Newcastle will have to realign their radar elsewhere in search of a new midfielder.
