Real Madrid have reportedly added Inter Milan long-serving stalwart Nicolo Barella to their list of Toni Kroos replacements.

According to Spanish news outlet AS via FCInterNews, the diminutive midfielder is one of three potential candidates for the role.

Despite his long-term absence due to a nasty knee injury, Manchester City’s Rodri remains the top priority.

However, convincing Pep Guardiola to give up his talisman could prove rather tricky.

Therefore, Los Blancos have set their sights on several other elite stars.

Real Madrid Keen to Sign Inter Milan Ace Nicolo Barella

Nicolo Barella Inter Milan
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 25: Nicolo Barella #23 of FC Internazionale Milano looks on prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and CA River Plate at Lumen Field on June 25, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Nicolo Barella is one of the names in Florentino Perez’s notebook.

In addition to the ex-Cagliari midfielder, Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez are also in contention.

However, all players have long-term contracts and are crucial to their clubs.

As such, Real Madrid would likely have to make an irrefutable offer to sign any of them.

Faced with the potential loss of Hakan Calhanoglu, Inter probably won’t consider bids for Barella.

Moreover, new coach Cristian Chivu has already made the 28-year-old central to his project.