FC Barcelona have made Alessandro Bastoni one of their main targets for the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Inter Milan and Italy centre-back is a top candidate to strengthen the Blaugrana backline, with the sporting department on the lookout for a quality, left-footed defender.
However, there is a sense developing that the operation could be complicated due to Inter Milan’s valuation of their star defender and Barça’s unwillingness to splash the big bucks on his signing.
The player’s desire, thus, could hold the key to unlocking any potential hurdles in negotiations between the two clubs.
Bastoni waiting for Barcelona to make a move
As such, Mundo Deportivo reports that Bastoni is very much open to joining Barcelona. In fact, it is the only club he would consider leaving Inter for.
The Italian is waiting for Barça to submit an official offer so he can then sit down with Inter’s leadership and request a transfer.
There is already progress on personal terms between Bastoni and the Catalan club. But inside Barcelona, the message is clear: other priorities come first, especially strengthening the attack.
There is also the issue of price. Inter have placed a valuation of around €70 million on their defensive mainstay, while people close to the player believe a deal could be done closer to €50 million.
Waiting for Barcelona to make a move. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Bastoni feels this could be the right moment for a change. He has long admired Barcelona and the idea of living in the Catalan capital appeals to him.
Professionally, he also feels he has completed a cycle at Inter after winning multiple domestic titles and competing at the highest level. That has made him more open to a new challenge.
In fact, he has reportedly already approved a contract proposal running until 2031 from the Blaugrana.
Flick’s role will be decisive
Barcelona began working on the deal for Bastoni back in January, but things have cooled slightly in recent weeks.
The club’s stance is that any move depends on alignment between Hansi Flick and Deco. That meeting will be key to deciding whether to push forward.
For Bastoni, that point matters. He does not want to join just as a sporting director’s signing. He wants to know he has full backing from the coach and a clear role in the project.
For now, he is waiting calmly. He still sees Barça as a dream move, but he is also comfortable staying at Inter. He will not force anything unless both the club’s leadership and the manager are fully committed to bringing him in.
