According to FC Inter News, as cited by Express, Arturo Vidal has told FC Barcelona that Inter Milan is his preferred destination if he ends up leaving Catalonia this summer. The Chilean international is expected to leave following a difficult spell at Barcelona. And as we head towards the final phase of the ongoing summer transfer window, the Spanish champions will soon need to resolve the future of the midfielder.
In this article, we will discuss three reasons why Barcelona should let go of Vidal this summer as they continue their squad overhaul.
Vidal is not included in Valverde’s plans
Vidal initially joined Barcelona last summer, in an €18 million move from Bayern Munich. Although the ex-Juventus star was not a first-team regular for the club, he still played a key role, making 33 league appearances. His three goals and seven assists helped the Catalans win the Spanish league title.
This season, however, Vidal has fallen behind Frenkie de Jong, Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic and even Sergi Roberto in the pecking order. The arrival of de Jong, in particular, has played an essential role in reducing the importance of the Chilean international in this Barcelona setup.
So quite naturally, manager Ernesto Valverde does not consider the 32-year-old as a vital part of the squad and has excluded him for his plans in this new season.
His departure will allow others to shine
Vidal’s departure will surely usher in a new era in the Barcelona midfield department. The Catalans boast the services of some of the exciting young midfielders in Europe in Carles Alena and Riqui Puig. It will clear the way even for new signing de Jong, who is expected to become the face of the Barca midfield within the coming years.
As for Vidal, he has shown signs of deterioration, and at the age of 32, he is nearing the end phase of his career. Therefore, he cannot be considered as a viable long-term option for the Blaugrana. That means a move away from Nou Camp makes the best sense not just for the club but for the player as well.
It will help fund move for Neymar
Barcelona have recently got rid of Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian international has joined Bayern Munich on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy. And while Coutinho’s departure will help Barca cut down on wages, Vidal’s potential move to Inter will help even more as they plot a move to re-sign Neymar.
The PSG winger’s future in Paris remains uncertain, just two years after joining from Catalonia. It is believed Barcelona are keen to bring him back to Spain but have been fazed by PSG’s hefty valuation. The departures of Coutinho and Vidal, in that regard, should help them fund the move for the Brazilian international.
