Alessandro Bastoni remains Barcelona’s top target to strengthen the center‑back position for next season. Despite recent speculation that the Catalan club’s interest might have cooled, the Italian international is still the priority for both the sporting directorate and head coach Hansi Flick.
According to ‘La Gazzetta dello Sport’, a decisive meeting between the player and Barcelona will take place this week to finalize the terms of his signing, with Inter Milan representatives also expected to be present. There are no issues with Bastoni himself, but the key now is determining the final valuation of the deal to see if the transfer can materialize.
Bastoni wants to finish the season by winning the Coppa Italia final against Lazio on Wednesday, and only then will he make the decision that will shape his career. The Italian defender is already strongly inclined toward a change of scenery, with Barcelona as his preferred destination. However, everything hinges on a financial agreement between the two clubs.
Bastoni hopes the move will be a cordial affair, allowing him to leave Milan through the front door.
Inter Milan need to complete a sale to finance their summer recruitment and have given the green light for Bastoni’s departure, provided they receive a minimum fee of around €60 million. Barcelona, however, considers this price too steep, as the club also needs operational margins to bring in a new center forward and a left‑winger.
The sporting directorate must carefully calculate their spending power to secure top‑tier reinforcements while keeping the books balanced.
The situation is becoming clearer, but official negotiations between the two clubs have yet to begin. Barcelona could try to lower the overall cost by including a player in the deal. Earlier, Hector Fort was mentioned as a possible makeweight, but now Swedish winger Bardghji is also on the table, as he seeks more playing time next season.
In any case, Inter does not want the negotiations to drag beyond June, because Bastoni’s sale is crucial for them to enter the transfer market with full certainty and funds.
Barcelona is also aware of alternatives, such as Cuti Romero, and is not willing to pay an inflated price. Within days, it should become clear whether Bastoni will sign for the Blaugrana or remain in Italy.
