Man City ‘move’ for £87m defender and could submit ‘mind-boggling offer’ for Liverpool target
Man City could reportedly make a ‘mind-boggling offer’ for Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella, who has also been linked with Liverpool.
The 26-year-old has emerged as one of the best midfielders in Europe as he has been vital for Inter Milan in recent years.
The Italy international helped Inter Milan win the Serie A title in 2020/21 and he has been one of their star performers as they have reached this season’s Champions League final.
Barella’s form has not gone unnoticed as he has been mentioned as a potential Liverpool target. The Premier League side are in the market for two or three midfielders and they are set to announce the signing of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton.
Man City have been phenomenal this season and they have the chance to complete the treble when they face Inter in the Champions League final on Saturday.
The Premier League champions may have their eyes on Barella more than the rest of his Inter Milan teammates, though. Sport Mediaset (via Sport Witness) claim Pep Guardiola ‘dotes’ on the midfielder and ‘could make a move to sign him’.
Inter Milan are reluctant to sell Barella but Man City could attempt to test their resolve with a ‘mind-boggling offer’ for their prized asset.
Guardiola has a frankly ridiculous team at his disposal but he is always looking to strengthen his squad.
Man City have been consistently linked with RB Leipzig and Croatia star Josko Gvardiol of late. The defender was superb at last year’s World Cup and there is a £100m release clause that becomes active in 2024.
It has recently been indicated that the Bundesliga outfit are willing to let Gvardiol leave this summer if they receive a bid of around £87m.
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90min are now reporting that ‘Man City are poised to firm up their interest in Gvardiol this summer and make a move’ for him. Their report adds.
‘Gvardiol himself knows he will virtually have his pick of clubs when he decides to leave and 90min understands that, as it stands, his preferred options are Manchester City and Real Madrid.
‘City will make room in their squad with the sale of Spain international Aymeric Laporte, who has made it known he is ready to move and amid interest from clubs including Aston Villa and Tottenham.
‘It remains to be seen if Real Madrid will push to do a deal this summer. Like City, Los Blancos are huge fans of Gvardiol and have been following him closely, but they have other needs and it is believed they want a new left-back ahead of a left-sided centre-back at this time.’
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