Manchester City Told to Pay ‘£70m’ to Complete Nicolo Barella Deal – Sources Reveal
Manchester City have reportedly been informed that it will take a fee of around £70 million to secure the signing of Inter Milan and Italy midfielder Nicolo Barella.
The English Premier League giants are said to have made initial inquiries about the availability of the Italian international, who has been a standout performer for both club and country over recent years.
However, sources close to the deal have revealed that Inter will not entertain any offers below their valuation of £70 million, which would make Barella one of the most expensive signings in the club’s history.
### Background: Manchester City’s Interest in Nicolo Barella
Manchester City’s pursuit of Nicolo Barella comes amid manager Pep Guardiola’s desire to bolster his midfield options.
With long-serving captain and midfield lynchpin Ilkay Gundogan departing for Barcelona at the end of the 2022/23 season and Kevin De Bruyne struggling with recurring injuries, City have been actively looking for top-class midfield talent to maintain their competitive edge in the Premier League and Europe.
Barella’s name has consistently been linked with City since his impressive performances in Serie A and the Champions League for Inter Milan.
The Italian midfielder’s versatility, technical skills, and tactical intelligence have made him an ideal candidate for Guardiola’s system, which emphasizes control, quick passing, and fluid movement between the lines.
### Why Nicolo Barella is a Top Target for Manchester City
Nicolo Barella, 26, has emerged as one of Europe’s finest midfielders over the last few seasons.
His combination of technical ability, work rate, and leadership on the field has caught the attention of top clubs across the continent.
Barella is known for his high energy levels, exceptional ball control, and ability to read the game, making him a perfect fit for Guardiola’s dynamic style of play.
Barella’s proficiency in both offensive and defensive phases is what makes him such a valuable asset. He can play as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or a box-to-box player, providing flexibility in various tactical setups.
His passing range, ability to drive forward with the ball, and knack for scoring crucial goals are all qualities that City have been seeking to add to their already formidable squad.
Moreover, Barella has significant experience at the highest level, having been a key player for Inter Milan during their Serie A-winning campaign in 2020/21 under Antonio Conte and their run to the UEFA Champions League final in 2023.
He also played an instrumental role in Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph, forming a formidable partnership with Jorginho and Marco Verratti in the midfield.
### Inter Milan’s Position and Valuation
Inter Milan are aware of the interest in Barella and recognize that his performances have increased his market value significantly.
The Italian giants, however, are not in any rush to sell one of their most important players, particularly after a strong campaign that saw them challenge for multiple trophies.
Inter’s financial situation has improved in recent years, reducing the pressure to sell their star players to balance the books.
The reported £70 million valuation reflects Inter’s desire to ward off suitors unless a substantial offer is made.
This fee would rank Barella among the top 10 most expensive midfielders in football history and represents a clear statement of how highly Inter regard their midfield maestro.
It’s also worth noting that Inter view Barella as a cornerstone of their future, and any sale would require adequate time to find a suitable replacement, which further strengthens their bargaining position.
### Potential Hurdles in Completing the Deal
Although Manchester City have the financial resources to meet Inter’s valuation, the deal is not straightforward.
One of the primary obstacles is whether City are willing to commit such a large sum to a single player, especially considering they have other positions to strengthen. Guardiola’s side has often been shrewd in the transfer market, preferring not to overspend unless absolutely necessary.
Another factor to consider is Barella’s own stance on a move. The Italian international has repeatedly expressed his happiness at Inter Milan and has a strong bond with the club’s fans.
Moving away from his homeland and the Serie A could be a significant decision for the 26-year-old, who is currently in the prime of his career. Convincing Barella to join City and adapt to the Premier League would be a crucial part of any negotiation process.
### How Barella Would Fit into Manchester City’s Midfield
If the deal were to go through, Barella’s addition to Manchester City would be a significant statement of intent. He would bring a new dimension to City’s midfield, offering the perfect blend of creativity and tenacity.
Barella’s ability to dictate the tempo of the game and contribute in both attacking and defensive phases would make him a seamless fit in Guardiola’s possession-based system.
Barella could potentially slot into various roles within the City midfield. He could play as a direct replacement for Gundogan in a more advanced role, supporting the attack with his driving runs and goal-scoring ability.
Alternatively, he could operate alongside Rodri in a deeper role, providing energy, ball-winning capabilities, and transitions from defense to attack.
His presence would also alleviate the burden on Kevin De Bruyne, allowing the Belgian playmaker more freedom to influence the game in the final third.
Barella’s tactical discipline and high footballing IQ would enable him to adapt quickly to Guardiola’s methods and the demands of English football.
### What This Deal Could Mean for City and Inter Milan
For Manchester City, signing Barella would be a significant coup, ensuring they remain at the pinnacle of English and European football.
Adding a player of Barella’s caliber to their ranks would not only enhance their midfield options but also signal their intent to continue competing for every major trophy.
On the other hand, Inter Milan would have a difficult decision to make. While the potential financial windfall from a Barella sale could be reinvested in the squad, losing such an influential figure would undoubtedly be a blow.
Inter’s ability to challenge for the Serie A title and make deep runs in European competitions would be affected, and finding a replacement of Barella’s quality would be a daunting task.
### Conclusion
The saga surrounding Nicolo Barella’s potential move to Manchester City is likely to be one of the most intriguing stories of the transfer window.
While Inter Milan’s £70 million asking price reflects the value they place on the Italian midfielder, City must weigh up whether Barella’s talents are worth such a significant outlay.
Should the deal go through, it would be a major boost for Guardiola’s squad, but if not, Inter will be more than happy to retain their midfield general as they look to build on their recent successes.
