Nicolo Barella is eager to enjoy a long future at Inter Milan and fulfil the contract he signed in November, despite Antonio Conte targeting a transfer to reunite at Tottenham Hotspur.
That’s according to TuttoMercatoWEB, who report the Italy international has made it clear he has no interest in leaving the San Siro early. The midfielder agreed a five year extension with the Serie A side and intends to at least see the terms out before considering a move.
Barella has an array of clubs at his door willing to offer a new experience if the 25-year-old seeks a change. Liverpool sounded out his situation last summer and asked the Nerazzurri for their terms. But the Anfield natives are just one of a raft of Premier League clubs keen.
Tottenham boss Conte would also like to take Barella to England after working with him at Inter Milan. However, the Nerazzurri are demanding €60m (£50.5m) to sanction a deal for the 36-cap maestro to leave early. Not that he seems interested in moving anytime soon.
Barella wants long Inter Milan future as Conte eyes reunion at Tottenham
Barella’s stance on leaving Inter Milan will be a big blow for Conte as he looks to improve his Tottenham ranks in the transfer window. The Daily Mail had also cited the Italy star as one of his very first Spurs targets back in November after taking charge in north London.
His performances have since dipped, but a market remains for Barella in England. He has offered 10 assists and two goals in 27 Serie A games. But of his assists, only four over two games have come since the Daily Mail put Barella on Conte’s Tottenham transfer wish list.
Barella also missed one Italian top-flight game through suspension in December after five yellow cards. He missed Inter Milan’s Champions League last 16 meetings with Liverpool, as well, after a group stage red card away to Real Madrid. Much to Jurgen Klopp’s relief.
“Barella is not able to play, it’s not bad for us,” Klopp said. “He’s a really good player. I like him a lot. He has all the things that you want from a midfield player. He’s aggressive, technical and he can run for ages. All these kinds of things, so that’s a top-class player.”
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