Legendary former Inter Milan captain Beppe Bergomi feels that Nicolo Barella is “untouchable” and can’t be sold at any price.
Speaking to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview published in today’s print edition, via FCInterNews, Bergomi gave his thoughts on the rumours that clubs in the Premier League want to sign Barella.
Barella is a player whose name has come up in recent transfer rumours.
Whilst the Nerazzurri clearly won’t want to sell him, the interest is certainly there.
That is perhaps not surprising for a player of the 26-year-old former Cagliari star’s quality.
Chelsea have already made one big money offer. The Blues have reportedly put €70 million on the table for the 26-year-old as part of their broader talks with the Nerazzurri.
This amount is still nowhere near enough to persuade Inter.
However, it is at least enough to unsettle the Nerazzurri, and remind them that there are clubs ready to push and try to sign away their star man in midfield.
Newcastle United are also keen on Barella as they look for reinforcements ahead of a season back in the Champions League. Inter have thoroughly rebuffed the Magpies’ initial offers though.
Liverpool are also reportedly keen on the Nerazzurri star as part of their summer midfield revamp.
Additionally, the likes of Manchester United, and Manchester City are reportedly very interested.
Bergomi: Inter Milan Must Make Nicolo Barella “Untouchable”
For his part, former defender Bergomi feels that the Nerazzurri shouldn’t even consider listening to offers for Barella.
Of the rumours, Bergomi said “Honestly, it’s normal. I’d be surprised if it were the opposite.”
“How would big clubs not look at Barella and not want to sign him?” he continued.
As for how Inter should react to the offers, Bergomi said “Register them. And then reaffirm the player’s status respectfully – ‘He’s not for sale.'”
“I feel that if Inter want to keep themselves fighting for trophy in Italy and in Europe, they need to have the strength to return any huge offers for Barella to sender.”
“Nicolo has to be the focal point of any club project,” Bergomi continued. “There’s no doubt about that.”
“If the club wants to think big, then they have to always see Barella at the centre of the project.”
As for what Inter should do to warn off other clubs, Bergomi replied “It’s simple. They have to convey the message that he’s not for sale at any price, it’s useless to make an offer.”
“They have to keep themselves from being tempted – Barella is untouchable, period.”