Inter Milan have deemed Nicolo Barella as “untouchable” and will refuse to sell the midfielder this summer, according to the Guardian‘s Fabrizio Romano.
Reports in Italy in recent days have linked Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea with the Italian international, with some even suggesting that the Reds were preparing a €70m (£60m) bid, but Romano has dismissed those claims:
There’s nothing going on between Manchester United or Liverpool with Inter to sign Nicoló Barella. He’s not for sale this summer – Inter consider Barella ‘untouchable’ despite rumours. ??? #LFC #MUFC
The club have the same position also on Romelu Lukaku as of today. ?? #CFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 14, 2021
There is a suspicion that Barella is angling for a new contract with Inter, and that is why these stories have started circulating. There is no doubt that the 24-year-old is a quality player but he would be an expensive purchase, and the Reds are not in a position to make an offer.
A replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum is being sought but the Merseyside club’s limited transfer budget means they are unlikely to spend above £35m to £40m on a midfielder.
With that in mind, the most realistic options on the market would be players such as Lille’s Renato Sanches and Brighton’s Yves Bissouma but, even then, there has been no concrete interest shown in the pair recently.
