Barcelona initiates contract talks with €80m Inter Milan star, positioning the player as a top priority for their summer rebuild.
The Catalan club has been working quietly but decisively to convince the player’s camp before sitting down with Inter Milan.
His current deal at Inter Milan runs until 2028, which means the Italian club is under no immediate pressure to sell, but Barcelona has already begun laying the groundwork for a potential summer move.
The player in question is Alessandro Bastoni, Inter Milan’s 26-year-old defensive leader and one of the most reliable centre-backs in Serie A.
Bastoni has long been admired for his calmness in possession, sharp passing range, and ability to step into midfield when needed, making him an ideal fit for Barcelona’s build-from-the-back philosophy.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Bastoni’s representatives have already held talks with Barcelona about salary, contract length, and the broader sporting project in Catalonia.
The player is said to be highly receptive to the idea, with Barcelona’s proposal leaving a strong impression and little interest in alternative options at this stage.
The financial side remains the main obstacle. Bastoni is currently earning around €7 million per year at Inter, but Barcelona is believed to have placed an improved package on the table to test his commitment.
Valuations in the market have varied widely, with figures ranging from €50 million to €90 million, yet Inter Milan remains in control because of the length of its contract.
Barcelona, however, is not considering a swap deal at the moment, showing how seriously they view the pursuit.
For now, this is a deal being built patiently rather than rushed.
But with Bastoni open to the move and Barcelona already in direct contact with his camp, the foundation has been laid for one of the summer’s most significant defensive transfers.
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