Barcelona aims to secure at least two significant signings this summer, with a new central defender being a top priority. Their primary target currently is Alessandro Bastoni, and progress is being made towards his potential move to the Spotify Camp Nou.
Bastoni has reportedly expressed his desire to join Barcelona this summer. Once a contract offer is presented, it’s anticipated he will accept it readily. Inter Milan is understood to be open to selling if the price is right, but a considerable gap currently exists between the two clubs’ valuations.
While Inter has not explicitly stated during negotiations that Bastoni is unavailable, sporting director Piero Ausilio has made it clear that the Nerazzurri intend to retain their highly-valued defender. As reported by MD, Barcelona has yet to submit an official offer for the player.
“We have not received any offers regarding Bastoni. He is a valuable player for Inter and for Italy, a strong player, an incredible player and we want to keep him.”
Inter President on Bastoni: “He is a certainty”
Inter president Giuseppe Marotta also commented on the speculation surrounding Bastoni, offering a somewhat guarded response. He indicated that a final decision on the player’s future has not yet been made.
“The coach, Ausilio, Baccin and I meet every day. Now is not the time and it is not for me to do so, but we have very clear ideas on how to proceed. After the meeting, the owners will dictate the financial guidelines.
“The group has been consolidated over the years and that is important, as is having a solid base of Italians. We want to try to sign the best Italian talent. Bastoni is a certainty.”
It is evident that signing Bastoni will not be a simple endeavor for Barcelona. They will need to present a substantial financial package to have any realistic chance of reaching an agreement with Inter, although optimism remains high in Catalonia regarding the situation.