Inter Milan legend Nicola Berti spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport about how highly he rates reported Arsenal target Nicolo Barella.
Antonio Conte’s men are serious contenders for the Scudetto this season and are currently second in the table. Inter could finally dethrone Juventus this term, and Barella is the driving force behind their title charge.
The Italian has played every game in every competition this season. He has three goals to his name and a stunning 10 assists already, and as much as Inter would love for him to stay forever, financial problems could force them to sell him in the summer.
The Financial Times reported last week that Inter Milan’s owners Suning are looking for a mammoth £146 million to ensure that they can compete next season. It is claimed that they are in talks with multiple entities to sell a portion of their shares, but nothing’s completed just yet.
If all things fail, they will have to part ways with their best players and Barella will be a dream to multiple clubs. FC Inter News revealed recently that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is interested in signing him, but if Berti’s comments are anything to go by, we’ll have to fork out a whopping £90 million.
Berti said: “He is one of the top three midfielders in Europe and he is worth £90 million. Surely, he is the best midfielder in Italy. There are more foreign players in Serie A, but if he is the best midfielder in Italy, then he must be one of the best in Europe and for me, he is among the top three.
“He is irreplaceable for Inter, he is one of those players who always give something more. I like to see how he plays and I believe he still has room for improvement. He scored a great goal against Juventus in Serie A.
“These kind of goals make fans go crazy. He is a complete midfielder, he runs, scores and delivers assists. Inter always score when he puts a cross in. Believe me, it’s not because of good luck. He is a champion, and he always knows what to do.”
Should Arsenal sign Barella?
Arsenal have a stacked midfield at the moment but things could change in the summer. Dani Ceballos and Martin Odegaard could both return to Real Madrid, while Mohamed Elneny, who has done well when given a chance, might look for regular game time elsewhere.
Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira will likely be sold in the summer as well, which would leave Arsenal with just Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and possibly Joe Willock in central midfield if the latter isn’t sent out on loan again.
Barella would be an incredible option for us. He is undoubtedly one of the best players in Italy, and he has all the qualities to be one of the best in the world as well.
Arsenal would benefit massively if we are to sign Barella but if Inter listen to Berti and demand a fee in the region of £90 million, any chance or dream we have of signing him will vanish instantly.
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