CHELSEA have reportedly been dealt a transfer blow with Inter Milan refusing to sell Nicolo Barella.
Calcio Mercato claims the midfielder, 24, is a target for a number of major European sides this summer.
Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid are said to be extremely interested in Barella, who has played a key role in Inter’s charge towards a first Serie A title since 2010.
Chelsea have been linked with the box-to-box ace.
And reports in January claimed Liverpool and Tottenham were also keen.
However, Inter and boss Antonio Conte have no intention of parting ways with Barella.
The Italy international, valued at £52million, has already clocked up 80 appearances since joining from Cagliari in 2019.
And Inter are instead ready to hand Barella a lucrative new contract.
His current deal, worth just over £2m a year, expires in 2024.
And Barella can expect a major pay rise if he agrees fresh terms to stay at the San Siro.
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Inter will be hoping they can secure his signature before this summer’s Euros too.
Barella has become a mainstay in Roberto Mancini’s Italy midfield, clocking up 21 caps since his debut in 2018.
And a few fine performances on the major international stage could result in even more transfer interest if Barella hasn’t agreed a new contract by then.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk