Napoli have overtaken Chelsea and Inter and now lead the race to sign Cagliari’s Italian international midfielder Nicolo Barella according to Sky Sport Italia’s transfer market guru Gianluca Di Marzio.
According to the report, Napoli will only push for a deal should Brazilian midfielder Allan leave, with Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain said to be interested but are yet to present the Partenopei with an official offer. Napoli sporting director Giuntoli has contacted the players entourage to see if a deal can be made.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side value the player at €45 million and have prepared a contract for Barella which would see him earn €3 million net per season. Di Marzio believes that a deal is most likely to occur in the summer as Napoli are dependent on selling Allan first.
Chelsea coach Sarri continues to argue that the club need a replacement after Fabregas left the club but the Blues hierarchy are not convinced. Therefore, Di Marzio reports, the Premier League side that is the most intrested in signing Barella is in fact Arsenal.
Inter are yet to make any official moves.