Alessandro Bastoni is set to become one of the most sought-after players in the upcoming summer transfer window, as club across Europe look to get their hands on the Inter Milan defender.
Barcelona, in particular, have been closely linked with a move for the Italian international, even identifying him as the club’s top target in the defensive department.
Inter Milan open negotiations
For the longest time, Barcelona have struggled to find a breakthrough in the deal to sign Bastoni, with Inter Milan adamant about keeping hold of their star player.
But now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Inter Milan have opened negotiations with Barcelona surrounding the potential sale of Bastoni.
However, this does not necessarily mean anything for the Catalans, as Inter Milan have stated an opening price of €70 million.
Will Bastoni join Barcelona this summer? (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Such a hefty price-tag effectively rules Barcelona out of the race to sign the Italian international, as the club simply are not in a financial position to do so.
Bastoni, for his part, is ready to join Barcelona as he looks to take the next step in his career. He is even prepared to push for a move to Catalonia.
However, if Barcelona fail to reach an agreement with Inter Milan, the defender will not be left with much options and the club will be forced to find cost-effective alternatives in the market.
Barcelona have already been linked with a move for quite a few other defenders in the market, as they prepare for the prospect of missing out on Bastoni.
The Italian is rated highly at the club, who have even reportedly agreed personal terms with the player. But at €70 million, the player is just simply unaffordable for the Blaugrana right now.
