Liverpool is interested in signing Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella this summer, and the Nerazzurri have reportedly agreed to 'pave the way' provided their asking price is fulfilled.
According to Football Insider, Barella is the Reds' 'top priority' as manager Jurgen Klopp seeks to strengthen his midfield unit with unwavering commitment following a disappointing campaign.
According to the report, Inter has set their man's price at £61 million, and because Liverpool is currently the front-runner to make a move, a transfer may be on the horizon.
After a successful tenure with his team, the 26-year-old is reportedly seeking for a new football project this season, according to the Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport. With Manchester United also impressed by the player's skill set, Klopp and company must move quickly and decisively.
The revelation also comes as the Reds are reportedly leading the fight to acquire Brighton midfielder, Alexis Mac Allister, according to a report from The Daily Mail last week.
Obtaining Barella's services would only improve Liverpool's chances of success because the rumors surrounding the Anfield team's fascination with striking a deal for the Italian have spread and become deeply ingrained in the rumor cycle.
The contracts of Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and James Milner expire this summer. While a deal to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is firmly in the works, Klopp could secure a major upgrade by signing Barella, one of the most capable and naturally gifted ballplayers in Europe.
Barella has made 181 appearances for Inter and has scored 19 goals and provided 48 assists while winning the Scudetto, the Coppa Italia, and two Italian Super Cups. Sports editor Mike Piellucci has dubbed Barella a "genius" and he has made 181 appearances for Inter.
The 26-year-old has been in outstanding form this season, scoring eight goals and dishing out nine assists in 46 appearances across all competitions. He has been a vital part of a dominant Champions League campaign that has Simone Inzaghi's team within striking distance of the championship game.
Barella orchestrated a remarkable all-around performance, completing 84% of his passes, making two key passes, three tackles, and winning three of his seven ground duels, according to Sofascore, which was hailed as "unbelievable" by one podcaster. Inter ultimately defeated fierce city rivals AC Milan 2-0 in the first leg of their semi-final match.
According to FBref, the £157k per week gem is among the top 9% of midfielders in Europe's top five leagues for the rate of goals, rate of assists, top 8% for shot-creating actions, top 17% for progressive passes, and top 10% for progressive carries per 90, demonstrating his prowess as an exceptional creative outlet.
Given those statistics, it should come as no surprise that the 43-cap Italy great is compared favorably to veteran Real Madrid legend Luka Modric.
This is encouraging for Klopp's midfield if he succeeds in his chase because the Croatian Ballon d'Or winner is among the best players to have ever played from the center of the pitch.
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