Alessandro Bastoni of FC Inter Milan
Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images
Of the many players Barcelona have followed as potential centre-back targets for the summer, Alessandro Bastoni stands out as one of the names most favoured.
The Inter Milan defender, after all, boasts of a profile that Barcelona are desperate for – left-footed, comfortable on the ball, confident with his distribution, and with speed and technique.
Deco and Hansi Flick see him as the best available option to reinforce Barcelona’s defence and the Catalans are convinced that Bastoni himself is open to the switch. They are working on an operation that will see him come to Barcelona.
Now, as relayed by SPORT, there is an ongoing situation in Italy for Bastoni, which may favour his move to Barcelona, and it has to do with a recent on-field incident.
The said situation took place in Inter Milan’s game against Juventus when Bastoni went down after simulating a foul – one that went on to cause the expulsion of Pierre Kalulu from the field of play.
Alessandro Bastoni, Inter Milan star
A key target for Barcelona. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
His involvement in the incident and direct contribution to a red card that was not deserved in the slightest, needless to say, did not go down well with not just Juventus fans but Serie A supporters as a whole.
The tension in Italy has subsequently gone up to a level where Bastoni is being booed in every away game he plays for Inter – something that makes him uncomfortable in the league.
In games against Lecce and Como away from home, the defender was greeted by boos and insults whenever he got on the ball. He has apologised for his mistake, and the players’ federation has also come out in his support, but the situation is unlikely to change.
With the brutal tension burdening him, Bastoni is not comfortable in Italy and may look to accelerate a departure in the summer for a fresh start. Barcelona, needless to say, are well placed for the same.
It is rumoured that Inter Milan value the player at close to €80 million. Barcelona will look to reduce that number, but a lot will depend on Bastoni’s stance and response to the renewal offer that will soon be presented to him.
Marc Bernal of FC Barcelona
Marc Bernal of FC Barcelona
Diego Simeone, Head Coach of Atletico de Madrid
Diego Simeone, Head Coach of Atletico de Madrid