"I received specific requests" - Inter Milan star opens up on rejecting offer from Barcelona amid interests from PL giants Arsenal and Liverpool
Inter Milan midfielder Piotr Zielinski has revealed that he received interest from multiple European clubs like Barcelona, Arsenal and Liverpool. The news comes after the Poland international decided to move to San Siro from Napoli for free this summer.
The 30-year-old stated that he decided to reject a move to England because he primarily wanted to continue his career in Italy. However, he added that he would have considered a transfer to Spain if things did not work out in Italy.
Speaking about the offers he received from different teams, Zielinski said (via Tribal Football):
"Liverpool, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Juventus were interested in me... I received specific requests from Barcelona. I like Italy, when I arrived at Napoli I felt good and it would have been difficult for me to go to England."
"I would have considered Spain, but the priority was to continue my career in Italy. I'm at Inter, but Napoli is also a great club and I would have been happy to extend my contract."
It seems a reasonable explanation, given the amount of time Zielinski spent at Napoli before moving in the summer. He joined his former Serie A team in the summer of 2016 after having spent five years at Udinese.
During his time at Napoli, the midfielder made 364 appearances across competitions, bagging 51 goals and 46 assists. Inter are amongst the clubs fighting for the Italian top-flight title this campaign, currently placed fourth in the league standings, a point behind table-toppers Napoli.
Lamine Yamal wants to stay at Barcelona, amid interest from Arsenal and Liverpool
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has clarified that he wants to leave the Blaugrana as a club legend amid interest from Arsenal and Liverpool. The Spain international has established himself as a global superstar through his recent performances.
Yamal has hit the ground running this campaign, having scored six goals and bagged eight assists in 16 matches across competitions. Speaking to Spanish television show El Hormiguero, the winger said recently (via The Echo):
"I hope I never leave Barca. I hope to be a legend at Barcelona."
The Catalan club will want to make sure they tie down Yamal for a significantly long period, with his current deal only valid till the summer of 2026. To date, the youngster has played 67 appearances across competitions for Barcelona, bagging 13 goals and 17 assists.