Liverpool are reportedly keen to sign Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella during this summer's transfer window.
The Reds are expected to boost their midfield options at the end of the campaign, with head coach Arne Slot believed to be keen to add more depth and quality in the middle to aid Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch.
According to Fichajes, Barella has been identified by the Merseyside giants as a leading target, but it will not be a straightforward deal due to his importance for Inter, who are believed to value him in the region of €100m (£87m).
The report claims that senior figures at Liverpool have identified the Italy international as the ideal player to add to their squad this summer.
Barella, 28, is regarded as one of the standout central midfielders in European football, and he has been in excellent form for Inter during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring three times and registering eight assists in 42 appearances in all competitions.
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Liverpool 'weighing up summer move' for Barella
The midfielder has been outstanding in Serie A this season, scoring three goals and registering six assists, with Inter currently six points clear of second-placed Napoli at the top of the Serie A table.
Meanwhile, he has two assists in nine Champions League outings this term, and Inter are viewed as dark horses for the competition, having recorded a 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the first leg of their quarter-final last week.
Barella has a contract at San Siro until June 2029, and he is at a club that offers him the chance to challenge for major silverware, but he could be attracted by the challenge of playing in the Premier League.
The Italian made the move to Inter from Cagliari in 2019, initially on loan, and he has represented his current side on 277 occasions in all competitions, scoring 25 goals and registering 59 assists in the process.
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Should Liverpool make a move for Barella?
Mac Allister and Gravenberch have both had outstanding campaigns for Liverpool in the deeper midfield positions, while Dominik Szoboszlai has also been a strong performer, making 42 appearances, scoring seven goals and registering six assists.
Curtis Jones has been another regular this term, making 39 appearances, while Wataru Endo has been used 27 times, but there is no question that midfield is an area in need of a refresh at the end of the season.
Barella is a genuine world-class operator in that area of the field, and it would be a huge statement of intent from Liverpool if they could get a deal over the line, but it is difficult to imagine Slot's side paying the sort of money that would be required to secure his services.
Matt Law
