Arsenal have reportedly cast their eyes towards Italian international Nicolo Barella, as they seek reinforcements in midfield in the summer transfer window.
As per a report from Italian outlet TuttomercatoWeb, Premier League heavyweights Arsenal had sent scouts to watch Cagliari midfielder Nicolo Barella in action, with a summer move being lined up.
The 22-year-old has been with Cagliari since 2006 and went on to make his first-team debut in a Coppa Italia clash back in January 2015 at the age of 17, under then manager Gianfranco Zola.
Since then, Barella has gone on to make 98 first-team appearances for the Serie A outfit, scoring seven goals and setting up three more in the process. The 22-year-old has featured 24 times across all competitions this term, missing just two Serie A games due to suspension and has captained the team on a number of occasions.
Barella’s rapid development saw him break into the Italy national team in 2018, as he made his debut for the Azzurri in a friendly against Ukraine last October. Since then, he has featured in three more matches for Roberto Mancini’s side.
The 22-year-old’s rise in stature with Cagliari hasn’t gone unnoticed as Premier League giants Chelsea were linked with a move for him in the January transfer window. And now, Arsenal have made their interest known in the Italian, by sending a scout to watch him in action in Cagliari’s 3-0 defeat to AC Milan this past weekend.
Arsenal will be looking to add more bodies to their midfield department in the summer transfer window, with Aaron Ramsey set to leave the club at the end of the season. The 28-year-old will be joining Italian champions Juventus on a free transfer, having agreed a contract worth a whopping £400,000-a-week.
In order to fill in the vacancy that would be left by the Welshman’s departure, Arsenal have identified Barella as a potential replacement.
Barella signed a new contract with the Italian outfit in January last year, extending his stay at the club till the summer of 2022. However, a chance to move to the Premier League is sure to appeal to the youngster as he looks to continue making rapid strides in his fledgling career.
Barella has shown immense potential during his time at Cagliari and clearly has what it takes to be a solid addition to this Arsenal side. At 22 years of age, the Italian international is only bound to improve from hereon, making him an excellent prospect for the Gunners. But, it remains to be seen if they act on their interest in the summer transfer window.
