Liverpool are reportedly weighing up a bold players-plus-cash offer to sign Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Reds have long admired the Italian international and are said to be exploring creative ways to structure a deal, with Inter believed to value Barella at more than €60m (£52m).
Liverpool are therefore considering including players in the package to reduce the upfront transfer fee.
According to reports from Italian outlet Inter Live, a source well-connected within Inter Milan, Liverpool could offer Federico Chiesa, along with young defender Giovanni Leoni, as part of negotiations with Inter.
Stop that Barella. pic.twitter.com/xZHF9Apnyl
— Stop That Football (@stopthatfooty) December 11, 2023
Chiesa has struggled to fully establish himself since arriving at Anfield, and a return to Italy has previously been viewed as a realistic outcome. Meanwhile, Leoni remains highly regarded despite injury setbacks and could be viewed by Inter as a long-term option, potentially on loan.
The strategy would allow Liverpool to bring down the overall cost of signing Barella while still putting together a competitive offer for one of Europe’s most highly rated midfielders.
Barella viewed as the solution to Liverpool’s creativity needs
Liverpool are believed to be targeting a high-quality creative midfielder as they continue reshaping their squad for the 2026/27 season.
Barella has built a reputation as one of Serie A’s standout midfielders, having made more than 300 appearances for Inter while contributing regularly with goals and assists from midfield.
??? Happy birthday to Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella. Capable of scoring and assisting! ?? pic.twitter.com/VY9yDsjOfx
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) February 7, 2026
The Italian’s energy, passing range and tactical intelligence make him an appealing option for Liverpool, particularly as the club continues searching for ways to strengthen creativity in central areas.
Is Barella really what Liverpool need?
Liverpool are not struggling in the creativity department. Despite their struggles this season, they are the highest-creating team in the Premier League this season just ahead of Manchester United.
The addition of Florian Wirtz has helped in this regard, and while Mohamed Salah’s imminentsummer exit will notably hinder the Reds’ creativity, creativity is not what Liverpool lack.
What Liverpool’s midfield really lacks is a destroyer.
Ryan Gravenberch is a fine player, as evidenced by his new long-term contract extension, but he is not a natural No.6.
Arne Slot’s tactics are also to blame for how easy Liverpool are to play through, but this summer, it needs to be a priority to sign a player in the mould of Fabinho or Rodri.
Without that profile in midfield, Liverpool will continue to be porous in transition.