Liverpool join race to sign Serie A star wanted by Manchester United and Manchester City: Reports
Liverpool are reportedly set to rival Manchester United and Manchester City for Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella. The Merseysiders have become the latest Premier League heavyweight to set their sights on the Italian midfield maestro.
Fichajes (via CaughtOffside) reports that Arne Slot's Reds are interested in Barella. The Nerazzurri ask for around €90 million to part ways with the 57-cap international.
Barella, 27, has been an integral part of Simone Inzaghi's Inter and the success that has come under his reign. He appeared 48 times across competitions last season, registering two goals and seven assists.
Manchester United made an approach for the former Cagliari man but were told he's not for sale. Liverpool has come into the equation along with Manchester City. A potential transfer tug-of-war for the 2022-23 Serie A Midfielder of the Year could be ensuing.
Barella is one of European football's finest ball-playing midfielders who can play defensive or central midfield. He's yet to play football outside of Serie A but continues to earn plaudits for his excellent playmaking abilities.
Slot made just one immediate addition to his Liverpool squad at Anfield in the summer. Barella's Italy teammate Federico Chiesa arrived from Juventus in a reported £10 million deal.
Who needs Nico Barella more Liverpool or Manchester United?
Liverpool have made an excellent start to the season despite making one summer acquisition. Slot has Ryan Gravenberch shining after the Dutch midfielder arrived from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023.
The Merseysiders are top of the Premier League, having won six and lost one of seven games. Slot's midfield is clicking, with Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai impressing. Barella would undoubtedly bring calm and composure to their midfield, and his grace on the ball would only benefit the league leaders.
Manchester United are crying out for more control in the middle of the park amid a poor start to the season. Erik ten Hag's midfield has looked vulnerable, with the addition of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain yet to bear fruit.
Christian Eriksen, 32, has been given a renaissance in United's midfield, which is a concern given his age. Kobbie Mainoo has yet to replicate his sensational form from the 2023-24 campaign amid the Red Devils' struggles as a collective.
Barella boasts a highly regarded playmaker profile and plenty of experience. He won the Scudetto with Inter last season and the European Championships with Italy in 2021. This could be hugely beneficial for Ten Hag's team, particularly Mainoo, who has yet to be given a consistent midfield partner at Old Trafford.
