Nicolo Barella: Man United plot raid as Inter Milan face difficult choice | OneFootball

Manchester United are reportedly ready to exploit Inter Milan’s struggles by launching a bombshell raid to sign talismanic midfielder Nicolo Barella, according to a new report.

Midfield Maestro

The Red Devils will invest heavily in the centre of the pitch this summer as INEOS prepare to bolster what is widely considered the weakest area of the squad.

The imminent departure of Casemiro, whose contract will expire at the end of the season, is likely to be joined by Manuel Ugarte‘s sale, given the 24-year-old Uruguayan’s failure to adapt to English football. This scenario leaves just Kobbie Mainoo in the engine room, after Bruno Fernandes has been restored to his rightful No.10 position by caretaker coach Michael Carrick.

United’s primary targets are a trio of Premier League-proven players being chased by the country’s elite clubs: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Carlos Baleba (Brighton & Hove Albion) and Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace).

Competition will prove fierce for each option, however, and the financial strength of their respective clubs means they will drive a hard bargain, with asking prices as high as £100 million.

As such, INEOS are also keeping one eye on European targets, in the hope that the second midfield recruit could arrive in a cheaper deal from the continent. This drive has led the Mancunians to Milan, with a report relayed by Caught Offside revealing Barella is in their crosshairs, though they face a red-hot race with rivals Newcastle to secure his signature.

Raiding the San Siro

United are understood to be “ready to pounce on the opportunity” to sign the Italy international, who has established himself as one of the finest midfielders in Europe at the San Siro.

The 29-year-old has three years remaining on his deal with the Nerazzurri and is believed to be happy with the Serie A giants. However, Inter’s economic situation is precarious and the early exit from the Champions League at the hands of Norwegian hotshots Bodø/Glimt has proven a “massive financial blow”.

Caught Offside contends this may trigger the sale of their “most valuable assets” in an attempt to balance the books. The report states Barella will be available for around €70m (£61m) – a significantly cheaper price than the one United will have to pay for one of their domestic targets, even once the Italian’s age is factored in.

Alongside Newcastle, the Red Devils are “closely monitoring” the situation at the San Siro, with Inter executives said to be “hoping for a bidding war between the [two] clubs to drive up the final price.”

Final Thoughts

A fee in the region of £60m is a difficult sales pitch at Old Trafford, given INEOS’s drive to move away from expensive transfers for players approaching the twilight of their career.

However, Barella is undoubtedly one of the best options in midfield in world football, having won relentlessly since joining Inter, including the European Championship with Italy in 2021.

The loss of Casemiro will not simply be felt in his abilities on the pitch; it will be his influence and personality off it as well. Slotting in an experienced operator like the Italian maestro may just be an exception to the rule United’s hierarchy are willing to make.

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