Tottenham, Liverpool the frontrunners to sign Nicolo Barella

According to Spanish publication MARCA (h/t Express), Tottenham Hotspur are battling Liverpool for the signing of Inter Milan and Italy midfield mainstay, Nicolo Barella, this summer.

Barella joined Inter Milan in the summer of 2019 from boyhood club Cagliari. Having arrived on a loan deal, the 24-year-old made an instant impact at San Siro and was signed up on a permanent deal last year. Since then, he has grown rapidly in stature, playing a key role in Inter Milan’s Serie A title triumph in the 2020/21 season.

Nicolo Barella in action for Inter Milan. (GETTY Images)

Barella was also an ever-present in the Italy lineup as they cruised to lift the UEFA Euro 2020 trophy earlier this year. And, the 24-year-old’s progress over the past couple of years has landed him plenty of admirers, with Tottenham and Liverpool said to be among them. (h/t Express)

Liverpool view Barella as a direct replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum, who left the club to sign for Paris Saint-Germain, the report claims.

As for Tottenham, the Lilywhites are embarking on a new journey under manager Nuno Espirito Santo and director Fabio Paratici. And midfield is an area where the club could do with an upgrade on the likes of Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko, while Tanguy Ndombele has also flattered to deceive in his two years at the club.

Barella, though, could command a transfer fee in the upwards of £55m, although no bid has been made by either Tottenham or Liverpool at the moment.

Nicolo Barella is an Italian international midfielder. (GETTY Images)

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Inter Milan, though, are not intending to sell Barella, having already lost one of their best players in Achraf Hakimi this summer. However, in case they need to invest in the squad, they may have to cash in on some of their current stars, which could open up a door for Tottenham to swoop.

The 24-year-old has great quality and still has his best years in front of him. Adding someone like him should certainly be a no-brainer for Spurs. However, Inter Milan’s stance and Liverpool’s interest means a move will be difficult to push through.