Newcastle United closes in on transfer for Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella

STADIO GIUSEPPE MEAZZA, MILANO, ITALY - 2023/05/10: Nicolo Barella of Fc Internazionale in action during the Uefa Champions League semi-final first leg match between Ac Milan and Fc Internazionale. Fc Internazionale wins 2.-0 over Ac Milan. (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images)
STADIO GIUSEPPE MEAZZA, MILANO, ITALY - 2023/05/10: Nicolo Barella of Fc Internazionale in action during the Uefa Champions League semi-final first leg match between Ac Milan and Fc Internazionale. Fc Internazionale wins 2.-0 over Ac Milan. (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United is gearing up for what could potentially be one of the biggest summer transfer windows in club history, and they may start things off with a massive bang.

Newly released reports around the globe have stated that the Magpies are at the top of the running for Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella in hopes to bolster their overall depth prior to the start of the 2023-24 season.

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Nicolo Barella of Internazionale (L) dribbles Alexis Saelemaekers of AC Milan (R) during the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at San Siro on May 10, 2023 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Nicolo Barella of Internazionale (L) dribbles Alexis Saelemaekers of AC Milan (R) during the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at San Siro on May 10, 2023 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) /

Barella is often regarded as being one of the top midfielders in the Series-A and one of the best players at his club in Inter Milan.

Coming out of the 2022-23 season, he racked up six goals and six assists in league play, while also contributing an impressive three goals in the Champions League.

Just one season prior, he was even better as he played a pivotal role as the primary playmaker for the Black and Blues as he helped assist on 12 goals while scoring three himself.

This type of contribution on the pitch is exactly what Newcastle United could utilize moving forward alongside Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes. His exceptional skills, versatility, and work rate make him an ideal third option alongside those two in the middle, and his arrival would bolster the ceiling greatly.

The 26-year-old enhances any team’s attacking prowess and provides a solid defensive shield. With Inter Milan, he had the ability to control games and facilitate the offense when need be.

The ability to lead a team is exactly what the Magpies are looking for in a midfielder. While they already do have leaders in both Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier, Barella would be able to provide that extra spark.

Newcastle’s midfield has been in need of a dynamic and creative presence, and he fits the bill perfectly. His arrival would bring a new dimension to the Magpies’ play, adding a touch of finesse and intelligence to their midfield setup. His passing range and vision would greatly benefit the likes of Callum Wilson, Alexander Isak and Allan Saint-Maximin, providing them with quality service in the final third.

Barella’s versatility also allows him to excel in various midfield roles, whether as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder or even in a deeper role.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – JANUARY 15: Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates with Callum Wilson of Newcastle United and Jacob Murphy of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Fulham FC at St. James Park on January 15, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – JANUARY 15: Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates with Callum Wilson of Newcastle United and Jacob Murphy of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Fulham FC at St. James Park on January 15, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Getty Images) /

Another reason why the transfer with Barella would be important for the Magpies is that he has experience playing in highly intense contests, such as the Champions League.

With the Magpies securing their first appearance in over two decades in European League play, they need players who are ready to shine under the brightest lights, something that Barella can do and has done before.

At just a £50 million value, this transfer could be easily made.

The club is reported to have over £250 million to spend this offseason from their Saudi Arabian owners, and passing up on an option like Barella would be devastating.

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