Arsenal must qualify for the Champions League if they are to have any hope of signing Cagliari midfielder Nicolo Barella, according to a report. The Gunners are apparently trying to hijack Chelsea’s move for the Italy international as they see him as an ideal replacement for Juventus-bound Aaron Ramsey.
AC Milan’s Franck Kessie is an alternative option, but Sarri target Niccolo Barella is Unai Emery’s preferred target.
However, Arsenal’s hopes of landing the 22-year-old could depend on whether they can regain Champions League status over the next two months.
Emery’s men can achieve that via two routes – either by finishing in the top four of the Premier League or by winning the Europa League, with a quarter-final against Napoli up next.
Barella is believed to be valued at £43m by Cagliari, which Arsenal will not be able to afford unless they return to the top table of European football.
Barella opted against joining Chelsea last January despite a verbal agreement between all parties due to family complications.
The Youngster is ready to move and try his skills in the most competitive League in the World. FIFA complications will hinder Chelsea’s chances of staging a re bid for the Italian.
Although an appeal as been arraigned for April. However, The Blues may need more than just Sarri’s word or presence at the Bridge to convince the Cagliari midfielder.
Nicolo Barella was on the score sheet as Italy strolled to a comfortable victory over Finland. Barella and Moise Kean scored in either half as Italy launched their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win against Finland in Udine.
Barella gave Italy a flying start at the Friuli Stadium by opening the scoring in the seventh minute and Juventus winger Kean’s effort in the second period sealed the victory.
Barella struck with a deflected shot from outside the penalty area following a half-cleared free-kick. It was the Cagliari midfielder’s first goal for his country.
Italy’s Group J opponents Finland, promoted from the third tier of the UEFA Nations League last year, were not short of confidence.
The Scandinavians rode the early storm and grew into the game, looking every bit as comfortable on the ball as their hosts.
Italy were content to stretch their opponents on the break and in teenager Kean they had the first half’s most dangerous player.