One of the main objectives for FC Barcelona in the summer transfer window later this year is to strengthen the centre-back position.
The Blaugrana are particularly looking for a left-footed centre-back with good ball-playing abilities to fill the void left by Inigo Martinez’s departure last summer.
Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan, to that end, has been identified as the key target, the ‘chosen one’ by the reigning La Liga champions.
Barcelona firmly in race for Bastoni
Building on that, journalist Matteo Moretto, via Radio MARCA, reports that Barcelona have truly entered the race for Bastoni for the summer transfer window.
The Italian international is considered one of the best players in his position in Europe and is a highly sought-after defender. And Barça would very much like to bring him in before next season.
Alessandro Bastoni, Inter Milan player
Barcelona eyeing Bastoni for the summer. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
However, Moretto also pointed out that there are no negotiations between Barcelona and Inter at this point, and everything will depend on the club’s financial situation when the summer window comes around.
The report further states that Bastoni’s price tag is expected to be in the range of €70-80 million, and that the centre-back is already negotiating a new contract with Inter Milan, a club he identifies with strongly.
So, any move on Barcelona’s part will not be easy to pull off, and much will hinge on the shape the club’s finances are in and whether they are back to the 1:1 Financial Fair Play rule or not.
Meanwhile, other, more affordable targets such as Nico Schlotterbeck, are also being tracked by Hansi Flick’s side.