Inter have announced the renewal with Italy international Nicolò Barella and thus fend off possible suitors, including Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur.
Spurs have been linked with several names in Serie A after Conte’s arrival in North London, including some of his former players at Inter.
The contractual situations of Marcelo Brozovic and Nicolò Barella have been discussed recently, while Lautaro Martinez had already signed a new contract with the club.
After Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi were sacrificed to balance the books at Inter, the fans feared other big names might leave in the future and the club is doing what they can to keep their best players.
But Barella’s extension until June 2026 was announced today and Inter sent a message to interested clubs.
The former Cagliari midfielder will reportedly become the new captain of the club when Samir Handanovic leaves the club.
CEO Beppe Marotta has claimed he is confident Brozovic will follow in the footsteps of Latuaro and Barella and sign a new deal in the coming weeks.
Conte helped Inter secure the Scudetto in his second season at Inter, following the Europa League Final in 2019-20.
Rumours in Italy have suggested Conte is looking at a possible move for Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic and Milan midfielder Franck Kessie, as both seem to be further and further away from their respective clubs.
But at Inter, he will find it complicated to do business, as the relationship between Fabio Paratici and Marotta is tense after their time together at Juventus.
He spoke to Il Corriere della Sera and admitted he’s not on good terms with Paratici anymore but stressed he didn’t want to discuss it without the former Juventus director present.
Tottenham were linked with Milan Skriniar and Lautaro Martinez last year but it’s difficult to imagine Conte and Paratici being able to sit down with Marotta in the near future.
What message? Come on… Barella never wanted to leave, he is true interista. He even rejected Liverpool to join Inter, future captain material.
Not so sure about Brozovic, who is great poker player and will milk Suning for all the possible money if he will extend.
Chiesa at the Spurs sounds fabulous
lautaro to barcelona/chelsea perhaps