Premier League champions Manchester City are said to be the frontrunners in the pursuit of Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella, who is also attracting interest from Real Madrid.
Italian outlet Inter Live reports that Nicolo Barella is on Manchester City’s radar. Pep Guardiola is keen to bolster his midfield ahead of the 2025 summer transfer window and has pinpointed the Inter Milan midfielder as his top priority. Inter is anticipated to seek around €80 million for the 27-year-old, who is also being pursued by Real Madrid.
The Rise of Nicolo Barella
Nicolo Barella has solidified his status as one of the world’s leading midfielders since joining Inter Milan from Cagliari. Initially signed on loan in July 2019, his remarkable performances quickly showcased his talent. Within a year, Inter secured a permanent transfer, and Barella became a key player for the team. His combination of energy, vision, and technical ability has been crucial to Inter’s success, including their Serie A title triumph in 2021.
The 27-year-old has steadily advanced over the past five years, proving instrumental in Inter Milan’s two Serie A title wins. To date, Barella has made nearly 250 appearances for the Nerazzurri, contributing 23 goals and 52 assists.
His outstanding development has caught the attention of several prominent clubs across Europe. Recent reports indicate that both Manchester City and Real Madrid are interested in signing the Italian international, with an expected transfer fee of around €80 million for the 2025 summer window.
A Man in Demand
Manchester City’s interest in Nicolo Barella is easily understood. Pep Guardiola aims to establish a succession plan for Kevin De Bruyne, who is approaching the later stages of his illustrious career. Consequently, Barella has emerged as an attractive target, with Guardiola encouraging the Premier League champions to pursue his signing.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid, the reigning La Liga champions, are also considering Barella. With Toni Kroos retiring this year and Luka Modric nearing the end of his career, the club is looking to invest in a world-class playmaker, and Barella fits the profile perfectly.
Although Inter Milan’s asking price of €80 million may appear steep, Barella has the potential to justify that investment in the coming years. It will be fascinating to see if the 27-year-old Italian international makes a move soon.
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