Inter Milan is now linked to FC Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta

Remember that splash signing we talked about the Suning Group potentially making soon?? I don’t think this is it, but it certainly is interesting.

The talk around the Mercato watercooler now is how Inter Milan has expressed interest in FC Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta.

Yup, you read that correctly … Andres Iniesta.

The 33-year-old Spaniard has, apparently, been the subject of summer talks between the two clubs according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

Iniesta’s contract with Barcelona expires in 2018 and there have been no discussion to a potential extension.

He played in 37 games this season and tallied one goal — in a 7-0 Champions League win over Celtic — and six assists — three in La Liga and three in Champions League play for the Blaugrana.

A little dribbling from Iniesta

Before we get hyped, let’s put this in perspective …

This report is based solely on the fact that Piero Ausilio, Inter’s sporting director, ate dinner with Barcelona’s Ariedo Braida and Iniesta. Now, this can be a totally benign thing or it could be something.

Is Iniesta someone Inter would benefit from? Well, you can’t match the experience. He has a World Cup, four Champions League titles, eight Spanish titles and was voted Best Player in Europe in 2012.

His market value is right around €20 million, which means Barcelona will likely want around €30 million and that may be a price tag Suning Group is not willing to pay just yet.

Conversely, Gazzetta suggested the biggest target for the Nerazzurri at Barcelona is right back Aleix Vidal.

Now, that might be something worth talking about. The 27-year-old only played in 12 games for Barcelona last season, but did have a pair of goals in league play to go along with five assists which isn’t half bad for just 12 games. The price might be right too as his €7.5 million value may be worth a €10 million pickup.

I just can’t see Iniesta being a big value for Luciano Spalletti in his first season. That’s a lot of years to pay over €30 million for.