According to a recent report by Calciomercato, Arsenal are plotting a move to secure the services of Cagliari Calcio midfielder Nicolo Barella at the end of this campaign. The same source has revealed that the Gunners are eyeing both Barella and AC Milan’s Franck Kessie as a replacement for Aaron Ramsey, who is set to leave the North London club for free to join Juventus during the summer transfer period.
The Italian midfielder is widely regarded as one of the best young talents in the Italian top-flight and is destined for a prosperous future in European football. The Cagliari wonderkid has been a joy to watch in midfield for the Serie A outfit over the past couple of seasons.
At such a young age, Barella has already managed to nail down a regular first-team berth under Rolando Maran’s stewardship this season. The Cagliari born starlet has registered one goal and provided two assists in 29 appearances for the Italian side this term across multiple competitions.
The 22-year-old played a crucial role in helping Cagliari avoid relegation last season which goes on to show how much of an impact he has already made at his local club.
Like a fine wine, Barella is only getting better with age. The Serie A sensation has represented his country at every youth rank from Under-15s to Under-21s. He has also managed to secure four caps for the Italian national side so far in his international career.
Barella has decent pace under his belt which helps him make some dangerous runs behind the opposition backline from midfield. He can also pick out a pass in the final third and has the vision to unlock any defence. However, the jury is still out on whether Barella can cope with the physicality and high intensity of Premier League football.
Arsenal have already seen that Denis Suarez, a player of a similar mould to Barella, struggle to adapt to life in England so it will be a risk to bring the Italian out of his comfort zone to play in a different culture to what he is used to at Cagliari. Even though it would be a gamble, Barella has the makings of a future star so the Gunners should consider recruiting him as he could be the perfect long-term replacement for Ramsey.
