A top €80m Inter Milan defender is keen on sealing a switch to Barcelona and has reportedly pushed his representatives to explore the option.
The Italian international, a linchpin in Simone Inzaghi’s Serie A title charge, embodies the left-footed centre-back profile that could transform Barcelona’s backline, offering elite ball progression and leadership to partner Pau Cubarsí long-term.
With FFP levers like Marc Casado’s €40m Saudi exit and João Cancelo’s uncertain loan, this ambition signals Laporta’s board doubling down on quality over quantity post-re-election.
That defender is Alessandro Bastoni, the 26-year-old Inter Milan stalwart valued at €80 million, whose desire to join Barcelona has intensified amid stalled Inter contract talks.
Diario Sport confirms Deco views him as the top target over Nico Schlotterbeck – now Madrid’s to lose – with Bastoni’s camp receptive to a Camp Nou pitch promising starring status absent in a crowded Inter defence.
His 2025-26 stats – 92% pass accuracy, 3.2 progressive passes per game, and 68% duel success – align perfectly with Flick’s possession demands, evoking a modern Gerard Piqué.
Inter’s reluctance to sell their Champions League semi-final architect, contracted until 2028, sets a high bar, but Barcelona’s planning exploits potential 2027 expiry leverage.
Bastoni rejected €50m Chelsea bids previously, prioritising La Liga over Premier League riches, with Deco preparing informal contacts to sell the project alongside attacking shortlists like Dušan Vlahović, Harry Kane, and Darwin Núñez.
For Barcelona, Bastoni resolves injury frailties (Eric García out, Cancelo benched) and Balde sale risks (€60m Inter Milan interest), fast-tracking via sales and youth like Ajay Tavares or Nobel Mendy (€6m).
This pursuit underscores Deco’s evolution: targeting proven winners over raw prospects, blending Inter’s tactical nous with La Masia spirit.
Securing Bastoni would dagger rivals Madrid while fortifying title defence – a statement summer coup.
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