Chelsea and Liverpool to battle it out for £44 million Serie A star

Arsenal missed out on the chance to restore their eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League table as they were held to a 2-2 draw against Liverpool on Sunday. 

The Gunners’ advantage had been cut to five points by reigning champions Manchester City on Saturday, but Mikel Arteta’s side looked likely to move further clear as they raced into an early 2-0 lead at Anfield.

Mohamed Salah pulled one back for The Reds shortly before half-time, though, and substitute Roberto Firmino continued his fine run of form against Arsenal by grabbing a late equaliser.

Arsenal’s match against City later this month now looks likely to go a long way towards deciding who wins the title, while Liverpool will be focussing on securing a European qualification spot.

This summer, Liverpool look likely to be active in the transfer market, and it appears that they are now targeting a Serie A midfielder.

As per Calciomercato via The Sun, Liverpool are interested in Inter Milan central midfielder Nicolo Barella.

The Italy international has established himself as one of the best in his position in the Italian top flight during recent seasons, but his club would reportedly be willing to sell him this summer.

Barella could be on his way to the Premier League this summer

It is claimed that Inter would consider letting the Italian leave when the transfer window opens, although only if their valuation of around £44 million is met.

Liverpool could face competition for the midfielder’s signature, though, as Premier League rivals Chelsea are also said to be interested.

Barella, 26, joined Inter from fellow Italian side Cagliari in 2019, initially on loan before making the move permanent the following summer.

In total, the midfielder has made more than 170 appearances for Inter, including 36 league appearances during the 2020/21 campaign as Inter cruised to the Serie A title under Antonio Conte.

Liverpool look likely to be in the market for midfield reinforcements this summer, with Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain likely to depart the club when their contracts expire at the end of the season.

Veteran midfielder James Milner is also set to be out of contract, while loanee Arthur Melo will return to parent club Juventus.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have been linked with a number of midfielders including Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo, but could look to Barella as a potentially cheaper alternative.