Barcelona Transfer News: Milan Skriniar Addresses Blaugrana Rumours

Inter Milan star Milan Skriniar has responded to the persistent transfer rumours linking him with Barcelona, reaffirming his commitment to the Nerazzurri ahead of Sunday's derby against AC Milan.

The Slovakia international spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of the highly anticipated Derby della Madonnina and briefly touched on the speculation (via Calciomercato.com):

"I know there are rumours about Barcelona, but I am only focused on Inter at the moment. My permanence here does not depend on the qualification for the Champions League even if I am sure we won't miss our target. I love Milan and I love this club. When [Luciano] Spalletti and [Piero] Ausilio offered me to come to Inter I had no doubt, I was proud of myself."

Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images

Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport reignited the speculation recently by reporting Inter have set a £70 million price tag for the centre-back, who joined from Sampdoria last summer (h/t TalkSport). The report highlighted Manchester City as suitors.

Both City and Barcelona have splashed the cash on young defenders in the past 12 months―investing in Aymeric Laporte and Yerry Mina, respectively―but that should not keep either club from looking at Skriniar.

The 23-year-old was a surprise addition for the Nerazzurri in the summer after an 18-month spell with Sampdoria, during which he flashed a lot of talent but also showed his flaws. Many thought Inter had made a panic buy and, at the very least, that he would need a lot of time to adapt to his new club.

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Skriniar shocked everyone by immediately establishing himself as the club's most consistent defender, however, and he has arguably been the best centre-back in all of Serie A this season.

Per FootballTalentScout, his attacking contributions have been almost as important as those at the other end of the pitch:

"

With 4 goals, Milan Skriniar is now Inter's 3rd top scorer after Mauro Icardi (18) & Ivan Perisic (7).

He defends ✅
He builds from back ✅
He scores ✅

Il muro Slovacco. ⚫️ pic.twitter.com/JVwVKlZ4gz

— FootballTalentScout (@FTalentScout) February 24, 2018"

With Inter's attack faltering at key times this season, the main reason they are still in the hunt for European qualification for next season is their solid defence, and the Slovak has held the unit together.

Here are some of his highlights:

Skriniar has shown no weaknesses this season, and at 23, he still has tons of room for growth. Inter will be desperate to keep hold of him for the foreseeable future, but they could find it hard to turn down a substantial offer.

A summer transfer seems unlikely, but if he continues his rapid progression, Skriniar could be on the move again in the next few years.