Liverpool will reportedly look to sign 29-year-old Italian international Nicolo Barella from Inter Milan in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Italian outlet Inter Live, Inter Milan creative genius Nicolo Barella is the subject of interest from Liverpool. The Premier League champions are keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing a playmaker ahead of the 2026/27 season, having failed to fill Trent Alexander-Arnold’s void through a like-for-like full-back replacement last year.
The Reds are planning an audacious deal to test Inter Milan’s resolve, as they are ready to offer Federico Chiesa and Giovanni Leoni (on loan) to secure Barella’s services. With the Nerazzurri demanding over €60 million to part ways with the Cagliari native, Liverpool will aim to reduce the transfer fee with this arrangement.
Nicolo Barella and his meteoric rise
Nicolo Barella has established himself as one of the world’s best creative midfielders since joining Inter Milan from Cagliari. Born in Cagliari, the 29-year-old spent his formative years in Italy and graduated from the youth division at Cagliari Calcio. However, his stock and skyrocketed during his spell with the Nerazzurri.
Inter Milan initially signed the player on loan in July 2019 before completing a permanent move 12 months later. Barella has made over 300 appearances for Inter Milan thus far while chipping in with 26 goals and 68 assists. Meanwhile, Barella’s exploits have not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs. Liverpool will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature later this year.
Premier League move on the horizon?
Nicolo Barella has been on Liverpool’s wishlist for a long time. The continued interest makes sense, as the Reds are scouring the market for a top-class midfielder to take some burden off Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Alexis Mac Allister in the middle of the park. Additionally, they have not filled Trent Alexander-Arnold’s significant creative void.
Barella has thus emerged as a viable target for Liverpool, with the Merseyside outfit ready to launch an offensive to sign him irrespective of Arne Slot’s future. While Inter Milan’s asking price of over €60 million is a fair valuation of the player’s quality, Liverpool’s decision to pursue a part-exchange deal is understandable.