FC Barcelona see the signing of a new centre-back as a top priority, with the sporting department looking for a left-footed player, in particular, to fill the void left by Inigo Martinez’s summer exit.
Gerard Martin has stepped up and performed in the role this season, but there is a feeling that a player of greater quality is needed to conquer Europe.
That is why the Blaugrana have firmly set their sights on a move for Inter Milan and Italy defender Alessandro Bastoni.
Talks are taking place with the Nerazzurri, with the defender understood to be fully on board with the idea of a summer transfer.
Bastoni deal complicated
However, according to Cadena SER, the operation to sign Bastoni is seen as a complicated one by Barcelona.
The investment required for his signing would be seen as very high for a centre-back, with Inter Milan holding out for a fee of at least €70 million.
Barcelona’s main target. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Flick’s decision key
Beyond that, Bastoni’s arrival is also conditional on the decisions Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has to make.
The German coach must decide what profile of centre-back he needs: whether he is strictly looking for a left-footed one or is open to bringing in a right-footed player who can adapt to the left side.
This decision is considered extremely key because it would considerably broaden the range of options on the market.
So, as things stand, despite the strong interest shown by Barça in Bastoni, the operation is far from being completely locked in and could depend on multiple factors, including Flick’s preference over the centre-back profile he wants in the squad.
