Transfer News: Chelsea top of list of suitors for Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella
According to Italian outlet La Repubblica (h/t Football. London), Chelsea are top of the list of suitors for Inter Milam and Italy international midfielder Nicolo Barella.
The 25-year-old sees his current contract expire in 2026 (transfermarkt) with the likes of Real Madrid and Liverpool also having shown interest in the Italian. The Blues are however top of the list should the midfielder make a move next summer.
Barella has gone from strength to strength ever since he moved to the Milan-based club back in 2020 from Cagliari Calcio. A crucial player for both club and country, the midfielder has been enjoying a fairly good season so far.
He has featured in 20 games for the Nerazzurri in all competitions so far, scoring six goals and registering the same number of assists in the process. He has featured in all the games for his side except one.
Graham Potter needs to reinforce his ageing midfield by bringing in young talents from around the continent. The likes of Jorginho and N’Golo Kante are beyond their prime, while Mateo Kovacic is also nearing 30.
As such a young and dynamic midfielder is needed, with the ability to hold and carry the ball forward while also contributing in the defence and Barella fits such a bill very well. The 25-year-old has shown his quality and potential in Serie A and would make a fine addition to the squad.
However, the midfielder has some good time left in his current contract, putting the Italian side in a commanding position to demand a price of their will. It will also be very surprising if the Serie A side let the 25-year-old leave in January.
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With the winter transfer window now open, it will be wise for the Blues to start laying the foundations to land the player in the summer. It remains to be seen if the west London side can add such a talented and exciting player to their squad for the 2023/24 campaign.