When it was announced that Newcastle United were in the running for Nicolo Barella this summer we knew it was never going to be easy but now it’s getting even more difficult.
Reports from Gazzetta dello Sport in Italy (via HITC) now claim that Liverpool are the leading the pack in the chase for Nicolo Barella if he is to leave Inter Milan this summer.
That is a huge ‘if’. Not only is Barella an Inter man through and through, the Inter Ultras are now making their voices heard calling him ‘untouchable‘ and demanding that the club rebuff any approach.
Newcastle were originally out in front in the race for Barella
Newcastle had said to have been leading the race last week after allegedly offering £50million for Barella, however, subsequent reports claimed that Newcastle’s interest wasn’t as advanced as having made an actual bid, but there was a genuine interest from the club.
Gazzetta goes on to say that Nicolo Barella would be open to a move to the Premier League if a club were willing to double his wages. He’s currently on £154,000-a-week at Inter which means whoever signs him would need to cough up £300k-a-week, which is well beyond Newcastle’s new wage cap which is said to be around £200k-a-week.
The more that comes out about this story, the harder this deal seems to become for Newcastle, which will suit Inter down to the ground, I’m sure. Although, Inter do need to sell this summer due to crushing financial issues, it seems like they are prepared to dig their heels in when it comes to Barella.
The 26-year-old is still under contract until 2026, so Inter are in a good negotiation position in that sense, but other clubs will be aware of their finances and will look to take advantage.
Newcastle could still pull this deal off if they are serious about it
Of all the players we’ve been linked to this summer, this would be the biggest statement. Not so much because of who it is, although it’s not like Barella wouldn’t be a great name to have on the back of our black and white shirts, but more because of everything that is involved in making this deal happen.
To get this done is going to require steely determination and a lot of money. Beating out the other interested parties is going to be hard enough, but prying Barella away from his beloved Milan to join Newcastle who are in the Champions League for the first time in 20 years, is going to take so much negotiation.
I believe we can do it if we are truly serious, but I wouldn’t expect a quick resolution.
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