Liverpool 'clinching' £68m deal for Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella
Liverpool they seem to have gotten ahead Arsenal with the Reds 'closer' to a deal for Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella, according to Spanish publication Transfers.
Barella has built a reputation as one of Europe's best midfielders in recent years and has attracted interest from first division.
The report says that Arsenal are showing great interest in Barella as Mikel Arteta seeks to find a replacement for Thomas Partey. The Ghana international has endured an injury-plagued campaign and is expected to leave the Gunners in the summer as he enters the final year of his contract.
city of manchester There are also suitors for Barella, however, it seems that Liverpool have gotten ahead of their rivals. Transfers reports that the Reds are “getting closer” to a deal for the Italy international.
While Jurgen KloppThe farewell season may not have gone as planned, with the wheels coming off in recent weeks, Liverpool are already preparing for a new era under Dutch manager Arne Slot, who will step into very big shoes from the Klopp stature.
What better way to endear yourself to Liverpool fans than to try to sign a long-standing player? transfer objective of them? Barella has continually been linked with a move to Anfield over the last few seasons and with every performance on the pitch, his stock continues to rise.
According to the report, Inter will demand up to £68m for his signature this summer, so it will be a real statement of intent if Liverpool manage to agree a deal before Arsenal and City.
The perfect fit?
The 27-year-old Italian ace has scored two goals and assisted seven times in 44 appearances in all competitions this season. However, the statistics do not tell the full story, as Barella has been one of Inter's most important players in their successful Serie A campaign.
Able to play in any midfield position, Barella is the most complete. The Euro 2020 winning star has only improved his game over the years of honing his skills in Italy and will arrive at Anfield as he enters the prime years of a footballer's career.
In Slot's patented 4-2-3-1 setup, Barella can easily fill a spot as one of two midfielders at the base of the midfield alongside someone like Alexis Mac Allister. If the need arises, he can also fill in at number 10 and create play from there, although that role is likely to be taken on by Dominic Szoboszlai.
Yes, Barella will be an expensive signing, but the type of signing that would boost a new project at a top-level club. If Slot is interested in making this happen, Liverpool should find a way to sign the Italian midfielder.
An interesting summer is on the horizon at Anfield and Barella could be one of the many arrivals we see over the coming months.
