Liverpool and Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Inter Milan’s midfielder Nicolo Barella during the summer transfer window.
Liverpool are expected to undertake a squad rebuild after a disappointing season, while Chelsea may look to splash the cash again despite being in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
Chelsea and Liverpool competing for Barella
There were claims that Inter could demand €80 million for their 26-year-old Italian international. But that was when he was at the peak of his powers.
Now, the midfielder’s situation seems to have changed, with suggestions of disagreements with players on and off the field.
Inter are said to be willing to sell Barella for around £43.9m, which should be a reasonable price and Liverpool and Chelsea are among the clubs considering making an offer.
Barella is considered a top midfield target, but his character limitations could be a red flag. The 26-year-old Italian international is approaching the prime of his career and would be able to hit the ground running.
Chelsea have spent around £600 million since Todd Boehly took over the club but have struggled this season and are looking to strengthen their squad.
The unlikely higher wage demand
Although much will depend on who succeeds Frank Lampard as Chelsea manager at the end of the season. The Blues sold Jorginho in January and may lose N’Golo Kante and Mason Mount, who are out of contract in June, this summer.
Barella is considered a top midfield target, and both Liverpool and Chelsea spent considerably more on individual players last summer.
While Liverpool could face challenges with Barella’s wage demand of £157k, which would place him seventh among the current Reds squad, he would add significant attacking impetus to their midfield.
The Anfield legend Jamie Carragher said on punditry duty for CBS Sports:
“I think he’s [Nicolo Barella] probably one of the best in Europe playing in that tucked-in, right-sided central midfield position.
He’s box-to-box, he gets goals from there. We saw how outstanding he was for his national team in winning the European Championship.”
Liverpool are also pushing to sign Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni and is locked in a head-to-head battle with Arsenal for a midfielder valued at £100m.
Chelsea and Liverpool could both benefit from his skills, but whether or not they will pursue him is yet to be seen.
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