Liverpool submitted a massive bid for Nicolo Barella and now he could reportedly ask to leave Inter Milan.
With just 23 days to go until the transfer window is over, Liverpool have yet to sign a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum or a new striker.
It’s beginning to seem like they won’t but if after links to Nicolo Barella, the Italian could be a genuine option for the Reds.
He reportedly only earns £80,000/week with Inter Milan so his wages wouldn’t be a huge issue for the Reds.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 11: Alessandro Bastoni of Italy and Nicolo Barella of Italy celebrate following their team’s victory in the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Final between Italy and England at Wembley Stadium on July 11, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
A report from La Repubblica from July, via FC Inter News, claimed that Liverpool had submitted a bid to the Italian outfit worth €70million (£60m).
Now, the Daily Mail reports that with Romelu Lukaku set to re-join Chelsea, Nicolo Barella is among those that could ask to leave as the Serie A champions will battle to compete for the title again and in the UEFA Champions League.
Achraf Hakimi has also left the club and there have also been suggestions that Inter have agreed a fee for Lautaro Martinez with Spurs as they potentially look to spend funds they could receive if they sell Harry Kane to Manchester City.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 08: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring their team’s fifth goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and UC Sampdoria at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 08, 2021 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
If Liverpool still hold an interest in Barella as Anfield Central reported in May that the Reds viewed him as a target, then he would make an outstanding addition in midfield.
He wouldn’t be a like for like swap for Wijnaldum but he would add immense quality in central areas and would increase Liverpool’s ability to play through the middle.
Too often the Reds rely on crosses and while this has proven a reliable route to goal, it relies too much on Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson being in good form.
UNSPECIFIED, AUSTRIA – AUGUST 01: (THE SUN OUT. THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool during a training session on August 01, 2021 in UNSPECIFIED, France. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Signing a midfielder capable of linking up with the Reds’ forwards would mean that opposition sides would think twice about sitting deep and Jurgen Klopp’s side would have an even greater ability to unlock teams.
Of course, signing Barella would require FSG to spend around £60million which is unheard of when the club hasn’t generated that much in sales.
