Real Madrid have reportedly set their sights on Nicolo Barella as their priority target to bolster the midfield unit next summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Real Madrid are turning their attention away from Paul Pogba and Leon Goretzka in their bid to reinforce their midfield next summer. The Spanish giants are now aiming their focus on 24-year-old Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella.
Barella has taken his career to new heights since joining Inter Milan from Cagliari. Initially signed on loan in the summer of 2019, the Italian international made the permanent switch to San Siro last year, which was hardly a surprise as he had quickly become a key figure for the Nerazzurri.
To date, the 24-year-old has made 91 appearances for Inter, chipping in with seven goals and 24 assists in the process. His performances have been crucial as Inter sealed the Serie A title and Italy won UEFA Euro 2020. So, it is hardly surprising that some of the biggest clubs in the world have been showing an interest in him. As things stand, Real Madrid appear to be eyeing a move for him.
Real Madrid bolstered their midfield unit this past summer by signing Eduardo Camavinga in a deadline day move. However, the fact that both Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are well into their 30s means Los Blancos could do with a second midfield addition, preferably next summer.
To that end, Real Madrid have been linked with a number of midfielders of late, with Paul Pogba being mentioned as a key target. Leon Goretzka is another player to have been heavily linked with the Spanish giants, who have to end their interest in him after he signed a new long-term contract with Bayern Munich.
So, the Merengues have turned their attention towards Barella, who could ideally be the like-for-like replacement for Modric at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, it will be interesting to see if Real Madrid can do anything to convince Inter Milan to part ways with the Italian midfielder, who is seen as a future captain at San Siro.
For now, the 24-year-old has once again emerged as a major target for Real Madrid, and it will be interesting to see if they launch the offensive for him by the time the summer transfer window opens next year.