Barcelona are actively seeking to strengthen their defense with a new central defender, though the specifics of their target remain uncertain. Progress on their primary option, Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni, has been slow. Director of Football Deco has identified Bastoni as the top summer priority, and the Italian defender is reportedly open to the move. However, manager Hansi Flick has yet to give the go-ahead and is expected to discuss the matter with Deco once the La Liga title is secured.
Pini Zahavi in Talks with Barcelona Regarding Luka Vuskovic
Another name linked with Barcelona intermittently over the past year is Tottenham Hotspur’s Luka Vuskovic. The 19-year-old Croatian has impressed during his loan spell at Hamburg in the Bundesliga this season. Tottenham are keen to retain him, with plans to offer a significant wage increase this summer, as reported by Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sport DE. However, agent Pini Zahavi, who has strong connections with Barcelona, is reportedly in discussions with the Catalan club about the young defender.
Barcelona Remains Interested in Nathan Aké
Additionally, Barcelona’s interest in Manchester City defender Nathan Aké has been highlighted. The Dutch international was considered an emergency option during the January transfer window, but President Joan Laporta opted to pursue João Cancelo instead. Aké, who has one year remaining on his contract, is attractive to Deco due to his versatility at left-back and his extensive top-level experience. The feasibility of a deal that satisfies both Barcelona’s salary and transfer fee expectations is unclear, as Manchester City is not under pressure to sell him at a discount.