Inter Milan are closing in on a new long-term contract for Federico Dimarco, with reports in Italy suggesting the Nerazzurri expect the left-back to put pen to paper on a deal running until 2030.

Inter expect Dimarco to extend until 2030

The Serie A champions have opened talks with one of their most important players, whose current deal is set to expire next summer. That situation had made Dimarco an attractive proposition on a potential free transfer, with the Italian international eligible to negotiate with foreign clubs as early as January.

The defender was named Serie A's Player of the Season during Inter's title-winning campaign last year and is reportedly set to earn at least €4 million net under his improved terms. Dimarco had previously hinted at frustration over the delay in reward, telling reporters: "I would have expected the club to call me about my contract, after what I did last year."

Barcelona still monitoring the situation

Dimarco was heavily linked with a move to FC Barcelona over the final weeks of the summer transfer window. Catalan club officials, led by Deco, identified the 28-year-old as a leading option in their search for reinforcements at left-back. No deal materialised after the San Siro hierarchy rejected the potential inclusion of Alejandro Balde as part of the agreement.

However, that has not ended Barcelona's interest. According to Diario Sport, the Catalan giants are closely following the renewal talks: "Barça, for their part, are waiting for (the result of) these negotiations. Dimarco is a player who interests the Barça entity because of his quality and being at an interesting point of maturity in his career."

Balde's future at Camp Nou in doubt

Barcelona pursued Dimarco last summer and were reportedly prepared to offer Balde in exchange. The young left-back had been leapfrogged in the pecking order by João Cancelo, who was initially on loan before making his move permanent with a contract until 2029. For a moment, Balde stood as Barcelona's only senior left-back cover.

Complicating matters further for Balde is the emergence of even younger talent Xavi Espart, who has been trusted in the left-back role and excelled — pushing the club towards a potential exit for the academy product.

Those developments may ultimately lead Barcelona to step back from the bidding for Dimarco. Cancelo can also operate at right-back, while Espart is versatile enough to play on either flank or in midfield. That reduces the immediate need for a dedicated left-back signing, although the option is not completely ruled out. There also remains the possibility that Balde refocuses and wins back the trust of manager Hansi Flick.