Xuenou > Sports > Arsenal interested in Inter Milan’s Nicola Barella – and two stars could go the other way
Arsenal interested in Inter Milan’s Nicola Barella – and two stars could go the other way
Arsenal interested in Inter Milan's Nicola Barella - and two stars could go the other way,Arsenal are weighing up a swap deal that could see one of the best midfielders on the planet arrive at the Emirates to strengthen their next Premier League title challenge

Arsenal interested in Inter Milan’s Nicola Barella – and two stars could go the other way

Arsenal are reportedly considering a swap deal involving two of their own players to secure the signing of Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella.

Manager Mikel Arteta is keen on bolstering his squad with a No.6 midfielder before the end of the summer transfer window. Arsenal's focus is expected shift towards strengthening their midfield options after the imminent arrival of goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford.

According to Italian outlet CalcioMercato (via football.london ), the Gunners are prepared to offer forward Folarin Balogun and defender Takehiro Tomiyasu in exchange for Barella, along with a cash boost.

Inter have shown interest in Balogun in the past, but Arsenal's valuation of £50 million has been a stumbling block. However, a potential swap deal for Barella might entice the Serie A side to reconsider.

READ MORE: Arsenal handed boost with youngster dubbed 'best I've seen' to remain with club

Barella showcased his talents during Inter's incredible run to the Champions League final last season, making him an attractive prospect for Arsenal. The Italian midfielder has impressed observers with his performances and Newcastle were previously close to signing him before buying Sandro Tonali instead.

Inter financial difficulties may force them to accept Arsenal's proposition, especially if they can secure their primary target in Balogun. Meanwhile, there are rumours surrounding the potential departure of Thomas Partey from the Emirates.

Where do Arsenal need to strengthen most? Let us know in the comments section below.

Flo Balogun of Arsenal could be set for a move (Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Takehiro Tomiyasu is a squad player at the Emirates (Image: Getty Images)
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The 30-year-old midfielder was linked with a move away earlier in the summer, with interest from Saudi Arabia and Juventus. However, there are indications that Denis Zakaria's transfer to Monaco from Juventus could pave the way for Partey's move to Italy.

Transfer journalist Gianluca Di Marzio suggests that Juventus will pursue Partey if they sell Zakaria and other young midfielders like Fabio Miretti. If the deals for Barella and Partey materialise, Arsenal would swiftly address their midfield concerns.

Having both Barella and Partey would provide the Gunners with two top-quality No.6 midfielders. However, opinions differ in the football world – and some believe that Arsenal cannot afford to let Partey leave, even with Barella's arrival.

Losing Partey would leave a void in the defensive midfield position which could be sorely felt further down the line – particularly given Arsenal's pursuits of Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo are off.

This article was crafted with the help of AI tools, which speed up Dailystar.co.uk ' s editorial research. A content editor reviewed this content before it was published.You can report any errors to [email protected]