Cagliari President Confirms Barella Deal Reached with Roma

It seems like very summer Roma lands a completely unexpected transfer target, one they weren't necessarily connected to and in some instances one they didn't necessarily need. Last summer, Bryan Cristante was that unique luxury while in years past players like Juan Iturbe, Patrik Schick, or any of the other dozens of wingers Roma has purchased over the past decade fit that bill.

While I wouldn't necessarily call a player as talented and as full of potential as Nicolo Barella unnecessary, midfield isn't exactly an area of need for Roma at the moment. With Nicolo Zaniolo, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Steven Nzonzi and now Amadou Diawara among others clogging up the middle of the park, Roma's midfield is pretty well stocked. Now, that's not to say Barella can't or won't beat any of them out for a starting position, or indeed that all those names will even be Roma players come next season, but in the strictest terms Roma doesn't need another midfielder.

But let's be real, Barella is as exciting a prospect as Italy has right now, and if Roma were to land him, it could be considered arguably the best signing of the American regime. Adding Barella to the likes of Cengiz Únder, Justin Kluivert and Zaniolo would give Roma three of the most promising U23 talents in the world. Need or not, if that opportunity presents itself, you have to take it.

And present itself it has...

Giulini confirmed that he hasn't had contact with Inter for nearly three weeks and quashed the rumor that the Nerazzurri aren't Barella's preferred destination, telling Sky (via Football Italia) He’s never veered towards anyone. Given Roma’s offer just came in, it’s only fair that he’s given a few days to make a decision.

To make Barella's decision a little easier (or more difficult depending on one’s perspective), Roma have upped their salary offer for the 22-year-old Barella, throwing a reported €3 million salary his way, some half a million higher than Inter's offer.

With the offer accepted—a reported €35 million plus Gregoire Defrel—and a new and improved salary structure slid across the proverbial table, the ball is firmly in Barella's court.

Nabbing Barella would be a coup of the highest order and could also enable Roma to move some of those spare parts in midfield, but don't go counting these Cagliari chickens before they hatch.

This isn't exactly a Malcom situation, but every passing day allows room for doubt to creep in.

Do the right thing, Nicolo.