Manchester United are one of a number of Premier League clubs who have contacted Inter Milan regarding a deal for Nicolo Barella but the Serie A giants want a minimum of £68 million.
Fabrizio Romano wasn’t lying when he said that Newcastle’s proposed offer of £50 million was ‘nowhere near enough’ to claim the services of an all-action 26-year-old once described, by former England boss Fabio Capello, as one of Europe’s top-three best central midfielders.
Newcastle’s approach reportedly caused ‘uproar’ at the San Siro.
Inter Milan, Champions League runners-up a fortnight ago, value Nicolo Barella at least £20 million higher. And while the former Cagliari schemer is not exactly short of admirers – Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool have all ‘called’ Inter to make their interest known – the prolificity of more affordable options means the smart money is on Barella spending another year in blue-and-black.
Liverpool could get Khephren Thuram and Manu Kone for far less than £68 million. Manchester United, meanwhile, are hoping to tie up a deal with Chelsea contract rebel Mason Mount for around £50 million (Daily Mail).
Nicolo Barella even more expensive than Mason Mount
Barella, Gazzetta dello Sport add, is viewed at Old Trafford as an alternative to Mount; one of Erik ten Hag’s leading targets. Barella shares Mount’s energy, thrust and eye for goal.
But the latter’s comparative affordability – and his proven track record in the Premier League – perhaps makes a renewed effort on the part of the Red Devils to bring Barella to Old Trafford instead unlikely in the extreme.
“In terms of how he plays, Barella reminds me of former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes, who was a really great player,” former Inter owner Massimo Moratti said back in 2021.
“He’s really been a great signing for Inter.”
Barella was part of the Inter side which secured the Scudetto under Antonio Conte two years back. The 2022/23 campaign was arguably his best yet; 19 goals or assists from his box-to-box midfield role.
“Barella is without a shadow of a doubt one of the three best midfielders in European football. Without a shadow of a doubt,” Capello said.
“He has vision, stamina, quality and pace. He does everything right. Achraf Hakimi (right-back) has pace, but the difference is Hakimi gets there and boots it into the box. Barella crosses the ball precisely. That is a very big difference.
“Barella wins back the ball and then passes it to start moves.”
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