Manchester City could be in the frame to sign Nicolo Barella in the future if things fall in place in what appears to be a three-way battle.
Italian outlet Inter Live features a report about a complicated three-way battle that could see Manchester City land Nicolo Barella. The Inter Milan midfielder is a big target for Pep Guardiola, and the report also speculates on the futures of Rodri and Aurelien Tchouameni, who are key players in this three-way domino.
Nicolo Barella is already seen as a long-term successor to the formidable Luka Modric at Real Madrid, with Carlo Ancelotti particularly liking the midfielder’s style. Inter Milan are in a big position of advantage following the midfielder’s recent renewal, as his current contract lasts until 2029.
The midfielder is also of great interest to Manchester City, who are keen to sign him as a replacement for Rodri. Pep Guardiola has a big budget to replace the Spaniard following his season-ending injury against Arsenal a few weeks earlier, and he admires the Inter Milan man.
Manchester City are set to fail with the Barella pursuit in January, although things could change in the summer, as per the report. The story insists that Man City are willing to offer €75 million on the table to sign the 27-year-old midfield target, which would seem appealing to Inter Milan despite their strong stance on the midfielder.
Man City have other names on their list, but they will jump at the chance of signing Barella if an opportunity comes. However, the main crux of the story revolves around a three-way battle that would only make the signing of the 27-year-old midfield target, as this domino involves the likes of Rodri and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Three-way battle explained
Real Madrid would be interested in signing Rodri next summer when he is fit again, as they view the Man City mainstay as an important cog for the future. However, should the Spaniard arrive, it would mean the end for Aurelien Tchouameni at the Bernabeu.
Irrespective of where the Frenchman joins, Man City’s success in the Barella race would open the doors for Madrid to snap up Rodri back to the Spanish capital. Whether there are any legs to this sort of three-way battle remains to be seen, as Inter Milan is expected to outright refuse to entertain any bids for their Italian international midfielder.
