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Published on 2024-02-15 17:00:00
Last summer, Manchester City made an approach for Inter’s Nicolo Barella but were rejected by both the player and the club.
The approach came after Kevin De Bruyne’s long-term injury and the departure of Ilkay Gundogan, leaving Pep Guardiola’s options in the center light.
Despite signing Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea, City was in search of a midfield recruit. They ultimately secured a deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Portugal international Matheus Nunes.
According to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport as relayed by Sport Witness, Manchester City made an ‘official enquiry’ for Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella in the final week of the 2023 summer transfer window.
However, both the Serie A side and the Italy international himself turned down the approach, leading to no negotiations taking place. Barella reportedly has ‘clear ideas’ that revolve around continuing at the San Siro, with his current deal running until 2026.
Barella had met with Manchester City just a few weeks prior, starting for Inter in the UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul. He was part of a three-man midfield for Inter, starring alongside Hakan Calhanoglu and Marcelo Brozovic.
Barella is a product of the Cagliari youth system and had loan spells at Como and Inter before making a permanent move to the Milan club. Manchester City’s efforts to sign him were ultimately unsuccessful, but they managed to secure a deal for Matheus Nunes.
The rejection left City disappointed, but they were successful in strengthening their midfield with the addition of Matheus Nunes. Despite their efforts, Barella remains committed to continuing his career at Inter and has clear ideas about his future.
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