Chelsea have asked about the availability of Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella, but have received a firm “no” in response.

This according to Italian news outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, who report that the Nerazzurri have strongly rebuffed the interest from the Blues in signing the 25-year-old midfielder.

Chelsea are still looking to make a big midfield signing before the transfer window slams shut this evening, whilst they are also looking ahead to their summer strategy.

According to TMW, Barella is one of the players who the London-based Premier League giants have looked into as a possible alternative to Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez, should they miss out on the Argentine.

The Italian outlet reports that the Nerazzurri made clear that they have no intention of letting go of Barella.

Inter have told the Blues that they will have to look elsewhere, TMW reports, as Barella is not a player who they would consider to be up for sale.