Nicolo Barella is still reportedly on Liverpool’s radar as Jurgen Klopp lines up a potential move to sign a midfielder this summer following the latest injury to Thiago Alcantara.
According to the Mirror, the Reds have had a long-standing interest in the Inter Milan midfielder, who is also a reported target for Chelsea this summer as the west London side also look to go big on a central playmaker this summer, with Frenkie De Jong also on Thomas Tuchel’s watchlist.
As per the report, though, Inter are not open to selling Barella this summer, with Liverpool having to fork a club-record £100m offer if they’re to sign the Italian international, an unlikely move given the arrival of Darwin Nunez earlier in the window from Benfica.
Hailed by Italy’s 2006 FIFA World Cup winning coach Marcello Lippi as a ‘world-class’ midfielder, Barella is arguably one of the best in his position in world football, with the Inter star playing a key role in the Azzurri’s Euro 2020 triumph last year against England as well as the Nerazzurri’s Serie A title win in 2021.
With Liverpool without Thiago for as long as six weeks according to the Athletic, a new central midfielder could be a worthwhile signing for the Reds, and whilst Barella would be an outstanding addition, the Inter star’s price tag alone means a move for the Italian is near-impossible for the Premier League giants this summer.
Indeed, the Reds broke the bank this summer to sign Nunez as a replacement for Sadio Mane, and with no other major sales this window, Liverpool are simply unable to afford Barella, which could open the door for Chelsea to sign the 25-year-old in the final month of the transfer market.
Chelsea could sense opportunity to sign Barella from Liverpool’s noses
Chelsea have had an unusual window under new owner Todd Boehly, and with Tuchel eager to sign a midfielder, Barella could be an exceptional signing for the west London side that will both improve their squad in a big way as well as take a rival target off the market for Liverpool.
Indeed, the Reds could be patient and move to sign Barella next summer, yet this could be the window Chelsea need to swipe the talented Italian maestro from the Reds right under their noses, with the Blues so far struggling to bring De Jong to Stamford Bridge from FC Barcelona.
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