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Andrea Berta has long been an admirer of Nicolo Barella, and the Arsenal sporting director made a fresh attempt to sign the Inter Milan and Italy midfielder last summer.
However, he was turned away for the second time in his career, according to FcInterNews.
Barella has faced criticism from some sections of the Inter fanbase in recent weeks, with the Sardinian not quite hitting the heights that made him one of Europe’s most coveted midfielders.
Some supporters want him rested, others have called for a summer exit.
But the club has no intention of selling, and Barella himself, with two and a half years remaining on his contract, has never once entertained the idea of leaving.
Arsenal Director Berta ‘Obsessed’ With Inter Milan Star Barella
MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 26: Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale Milano looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Metropolitano on November 26, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
According to FcInterNews, Berta’s obsession with Barella dates back to 2019.
The then-Atletico Madrid sporting director offered Cagliari €35 million to sign him.
Indeed, only to be undone by the player’s iron resolve to join Inter, the club he had supported all his life.
Last summer, now installed as Arsenal’s sporting director, Berta tried again.
Inter slammed the door shut once more.
Berta subsequently turned his attention to Sandro Tonali, but Newcastle proved equally stubborn in that pursuit.
However, both player and club remain fully committed to their partnership.