‘Still being told’: Journalist claims ‘underrated’ player is still likely to end up joining Arsenal
According to rumours, Manchester United has made contact with Inter Milan about signing Nicolo Barella.
What is the most recent Manchester United transfer rumor?
Despite the continuing ownership crisis at Old Trafford, the Red Devils appear to be gearing up for a busy few months in the transfer market. Erik ten Hag’s squad could be bolstered across the board, from a new goalie to a marquee forward.
However, it looks that Ten Hag and United want to bolster their midfield, especially with Scott McTominay telling people at Old Trafford that he wants to leave and Fred being linked with a move to Fulham.
Mason Mount of Chelsea is one midfielder who appears to be a target for Manchester United. Personal conditions have already been agreed upon with the England international, but reaching an agreement with their Premier League competitors has been difficult thus far.
Chelsea rejected the Red Devils’ initial £40 million deal, and an amended £50 million bid was also rejected. Meanwhile, West Ham’s Declan Rice is another target, with Manchester United prepared to compete with Arsenal for his talents with a player-plus-cash deal.
Along with Mount and Rice, a move for Barella appears to be one to watch, with an update appearing in the previous 48 hours.
Sport Witness relayed information about Manchester United and Barella from the Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport. They stated that Old Trafford executives were the first to make contact with Inter Milan, making ‘interested phone calls’.
Manchester is seen as a ‘much more appealing’ destination than Newcastle, with Inter Milan demanding at least €80 million ahead of any potential trade.
Who exactly is Nicolo Barella?
Barella, described as “top-class” by Jurgen Klopp, is primarily a central midfielder who can also play in holding or offensive midfield roles as needed. The 26-year-old appears to be at the pinnacle of his abilities, with a career-high €75m Transfermarkt valuation and a weekly salary of £154,000.
Following a successful loan spell from Cagliari, the Italy international joined Inter on a permanent basis in 2020 and has gone on to make 187 appearances for the Champions League finalists, scoring 20 goals and contributing 44 assists.
Described as a “monster” in the media for his energetic displays, United could see Barella as the ideal box-to-box midfielder to play alongside Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, with the player ranking in the 92nd percentile for progressive passes and non-penalty goals and the 89th percentile for carries into the final third, demonstrating his ability to create, score, and dribble.
