Nicolo Barella
- Thread starter DannyVblue
- Start date
jack_super_class
First Team Regular
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Gianfranco Zola claims Chelsea were ‘so close’ to signing Cagliari’s Nicolo Barella, who still ‘must grow’ before he can play for a big team.
Chelsea were heavily linked with Barella in January after they lost Cesc Fabregas, and Zola revealed just how near the Blues were to getting a deal over the line for the midfielder.
“We were so close,” Maurizio Sarri’s No 2 told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“He’s strong and Sarri has always liked him, but then things fell through.”
Zola gave the 22-year-old his senior debut in January 2015, when he was Cagliari Coach, and he was asked about his fellow Sardinian.
"I gave Nicolo his debut at Parma in the Coppa Italia,” he explained.
“At 17 he had the tools and character of the great player, but to play for a big club he must grow. His attitude isn’t lacking.”
Chelsea were heavily linked with Barella in January after they lost Cesc Fabregas, and Zola revealed just how near the Blues were to getting a deal over the line for the midfielder.
“We were so close,” Maurizio Sarri’s No 2 told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“He’s strong and Sarri has always liked him, but then things fell through.”
Zola gave the 22-year-old his senior debut in January 2015, when he was Cagliari Coach, and he was asked about his fellow Sardinian.
"I gave Nicolo his debut at Parma in the Coppa Italia,” he explained.
“At 17 he had the tools and character of the great player, but to play for a big club he must grow. His attitude isn’t lacking.”
rtwelch
First Team Squad
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Frustrating. It certainly would make a good book all the deals that have fallen through at the last minute. I think we should still go for him. Seems he can play either the 6 or 8 role comfortably and is not afraid to put a challenge in.
Boston Blue
On the Bench
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It would be interesting to know why the deal fell through. Was it because the player wanted to play? Or was there an issue with the fee?
rtwelch
First Team Squad
- Messages
- 1,575
- Reaction score
- 678
His wife was 6 months pregnant and that was thought to be a major reason. Too much disruption etc. Hopefully we can revisit in the summer.
Spiller86
The Dude Abides
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Gee I look forward to the day where we are not being linked with bog average Italian squad fillers.
It's no surprise the success of our recruitment has gone down at the same time we started to source more players from Italy.
Look at the contrasting fortunes of Jorginho and Bakayoko this season to see the difference between the leagues.
It's no surprise the success of our recruitment has gone down at the same time we started to source more players from Italy.
Look at the contrasting fortunes of Jorginho and Bakayoko this season to see the difference between the leagues.
Not keen on him after seeing stats of 1 goal & 2 assists in 31 league games. Our midfielders currently contribute too little as things stand.
Spiller86
The Dude Abides
- Messages
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- Reaction score
- 3,068
Just another functional all rounder without anything special physically or technically. He's got no European experience and has played a handful of matches for a very poor Italian team. Not the kind of experience profile that says he'll adapt well to England.
There are 10 better candidates at least to improve our midfield.