Inter have identified Nicolò Barella and Kevin Strootman as their two primary targets in midfield ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
Barella has made 32 appearances in Serie A for Cagliari this season and scored 6 goals in the process, while Strootman has been part of the Roma team that is set to finish above the Nerazzurri in third place this season.
Inter are thought to be interested in both and would look to use some of their academy players to lower Cagliari’s asking price for the former, with Financial Fair Play restrictions impeding them from spending exorbitant amounts of money on transfer fees.
“Barella’s future will depend upon whether or not Cagliari are able to avoid relegation from Serie A this season,” the Italian news outlet wrote on Tuesday.
“The Sardinians have promised the Nerazzurri that they will not sell the midfielder [to anyone] until the two clubs have met to discuss a potential deal.
“In such a deal Inter could include some of their young players like Pinamonti, Odgaard, Emmers or Zaniolo, in order to limit the amount of cash they would have to pay.
“As far as Strootman is concerned, Inter have been pursuing him for a while: the player’s €32 million release clause could be lowered by including another player in the deal.”
