Inter open Barella contract talks

Inter Milan have opened talks with the representatives of Nicolo Barella over a new contract, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The midfielder started his football journey at the youth setup at Cagliari, and having reached the first team in 2014, he had a brief loan spell with Como. Inter signed him on an initial loan in the summer of 2019, and the deal was turned into a permanent one a year later for a reported fee of just over €32 million. All told, the 24-year-old has 96 appearances in all competitions for the Nerazzurri, with eight goals and 26 assists to his name. He also has six goals in 31 caps as an Italy international.

Barella has been a subject of reported interest from numerous potential suitor clubs, and even though his current deal has little less than three years left to run, Inter are keen to secure his future and reward his past contribution with improved terms.

An agreement has already been reached with forward Lautaro Martinez, and Marcelo Brozovic is the next in line.