Real Madrid will reportedly look to sign 27-year-old Italian international Nicolo Barella as a replacement for Luka Modric.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Nicolo Barella is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The Merengues are scouring the market for a long-term replacement for Luka Modric. Meanwhile, Inter Milan will demand around €60 million to part ways with the Italian international in the summer transfer window.
The Rise and Rise of Nicolo Barella
Nicolo Barella has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world since joining Inter Milan. The Nerazzurri initially signed him on loan from Cagliari, the club he graduated from, in July 2019 before completing a permanent move a year later. And he has come leaps and bounds in the last half a decade.
The 27-year-old has turned out over 200 times thus far for Inter Milan, chipping in with 22 goals and 49 assists. The Italian international was instrumental in helping the Nerazzurri lift the Scudetto title in the 2020/21 season and will likely inspire another Serie A-winning campaign this term.
But Inter Milan’s financial issues might force the club’s hand in the summer transfer window and compel them to sell a high-value asset. Such a situation has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs. And Real Madrid might be one of his potential destinations. Meanwhile, the Serie A giants will demand around €60 million to sell him.
Real Madrid Want Barella as Luka Modric’s Replacement
Real Madrid’s eagerness to sign Nicolo Barella is not new. The Merengues hold a long-standing interest in the 51-cap Italian international. They are in the market for a midfielder heading into the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding the future of Luka Modric.
The veteran Croat is in the twilight of his career and might leave Real Madrid in the summer transfer window. So, it behoves Real Madrid to plan for life after Modric, with Barella emerging as a viable target. And Los Blancos should have the financial resources to shell out €60 million to secure Barella’s services.
The 51-cap Italian international might be the ideal like-for-like replacement. While Inter Milan will prefer not to sell Barella, they might not have a choice if the financial issues do not disappear in the coming months.
