EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal weigh up another Nicolo Barella approach

Steve Kay

Updated: 12 Aug 2023 14:02 BST
3 min read

Arsenal have not given up on signing Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella after the Premier League club received indications that the Italian would be open to a move.

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We are told that Arsenal, who traditionally never initiate talks with a club over a player unless there is a general sense that they would be willing to join, are weighing up another approach for Barella, and any conclusion of a deal would mean that Thomas Partey will likely be moved on.

It's our understanding that Inter wish to offer Barella fresh terms to his current deal that runs until 2026, but the Nerazzurri have also acknowledged that they will be forced to make a sale if they are unable to convince him.

Barella has always privately maintained that he would rather stay at Inter, his boyhood club, and has in the past rejected any notion of a move away from the San Siro.

Newcastle made a move for the 26-year-old earlier this window but were ultimately put off by the initial asking price and so instead made a successful offer for then-AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali, who arrived at St James’ Park for €70 million, making him the most expensive Italian player of all time.

Any move for Barella, it is thought, would have to top the amount Newcastle paid for the Italy Under-21 captain.

Another issue for Arsenal, too, is that Inter sold Marcelo Brozovic this summer and have yet to source a suitable replacement.

Arsenal bought Declan Rice from West Ham this window to bolster their central midfield, while they also acquired the services of Kai Havertz, who Mikel Arteta feels can operate as a No.8.

But there are still question marks over Partey’s future - if an exit is planned for the Ghanian, it’s believed that they will opt to move for a marquee midfielder to come in this window.