Barcelona are preparing to open direct negotiations with Inter Milan over Alessandro Bastoni for the first time, with a first contact between the clubs expected in the coming weeks.
Until now, Barcelona have focused entirely on convincing the player himself.
The Catalan giants reportedly making contract proposals to his entourage that would see Bastoni earn significantly more than he currently does at Inter.
According to SportItalia, via FCInterNews, that groundwork is considered sufficiently advanced to now shift focus to the club-to-club element of the deal.
Barcelona intend to exploit the hostile media climate surrounding Bastoni in Italy as a lever in negotiations.
Indeed believing his current discomfort could make Inter more open to a sale than they would otherwise be.
Inter Focused On Scudetto As Transfer Talks Loom In Background Between Barcelona & Bastoni
The timing is delicate for Inter.
With the Scudetto still to be secured, Chivu and the club are determined to keep transfer speculation away from Appiano Gentile.
And, therefore, out of the players’ minds, at least for now.
Any formal negotiations with Barcelona will be conducted quietly and separately from the day-to-day football environment.
Inter’s position remains consistent, Bastoni will not be sold cheaply.
The club’s valuation sits at around €80 million.
And, indeed, any opening offer significantly below that figure will not move the needle.
Barcelona hope to negotiate that down, but Inter have no financial pressure that would force their hand.
The conversation, when it begins, promises to be a significant one.
