From Italy: Manchester City made ‘official enquiry’ for Inter star – Both player and club turned down approach

Manchester City were left rejected by both player and club during the closing stages of last summer’s transfer window after making an approach for Inter’s Nicolo Barella.

City officials were forced into action during the final weeks of the last summer market following the long-term injury sustained by Kevin De Bruyne, ruling the Belgian out of action until January 2024.

The departure of Ilkay Gundogan to FC Barcelona at the end of the 2022/23 season had also left Pep Guardiola’s options in the centre light, even with the arrival of Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea during the early stages of the window.

While Manchester City may have ultimately secured a deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Portugal international Matheus Nunes – who is impressing with each passing week – their search for a midfield recruit had taken them to the Italian game at one stage.

According to information from Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Manchester City made an ‘official enquiry’ for Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella in the final week of the 2023 summer transfer window.

It is reported that the Premier League champions were left ‘disappointed’ after both the Serie A side and the Italy international himself turned down the approach, and as such no negotiations took place between any party.

From the side of Barella and his future ambitions, irrespective of the potential for more interest from the Etihad Stadium, the report claims the player has ‘clear ideas’ that appear to entirely revolve around continuing at the San Siro, with his current deal running until 2026.

Barella had met with Manchester City just a few weeks prior, starting for the Italian club in the centre of the park in the UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul, Turkey in a contest that will forever be remembered by Rodri’s trophy-winning goal.

The 27-year-old was part of a three-man midfield for Inter at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium starring alongside Hakan Calhanoglu and Marcelo Brozovic, in a battle with Manchester City’s John Stones, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, and Ilkay Gundogan.

Barella is a product of the Cagliari youth system, before loan spells at Como and Inter resulted in a permanent move to the Milan club through an obligation to buy clause and a subsequent initial four-year agreement.