Inter are set to miss out on the signing of Arturo Vidal as the midfielder is very close to signing for Barcelona instead, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

The Nerazzurri have been strongly linked with a move for the Chilean this week and were thought to have reached an agreement for a loan deal with Bayern Munich, as sporting director Piero Ausilio looks to provide Luciano Spalletti with a high-profile signing in midfield ahead of the new Serie A season.

However Vidal is now thought to be very close to signing for Barcelona instead, with the Catalan club having made a swoop for the player as Inter continue to keep the deal on hold.

Ausilio is currently pursuing Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric after being told by the player’s agent that he would be interested in a move to Italy, and it looks as if this is the reason he has not finalised the deal for Vidal.

According to Di Marzio, Barcelona are close to reaching an agreement with Bayern and now stand a ‘great chance’ of securing the 31 year-old’s services.