Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella could be on his way out and the transfer will not be because the Serie A side wants to sell the 26-year-old.
Italian news outlet Gazzetta.it (h/t Sempre Inter) reported on Monday that Inter could be forced to sell Barella if the squad fails to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season.
Barella has been linked to Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain as both clubs look to upgrade their midfield position this summer transfer window.
While the Italian club has been adamant they have no plans to sell the midfielder, the lack of revenues from Europe’s top club competition might have them second-guessing their stance.
The Italy international has been an integral part of Inter’s run in the Champions League this season, highlighted by a magnificent performance against Benfica, scoring in both legs of a quarterfinal tie.
Currently, the only way for Inter to secure a birth in the Champions League next season will be to win the competition this season and they’re in the semifinals where they’ll face archrival AC Milan with a ticket to the final on the line.