Barcelona handed bad news in hunt to land Alessandro Bastoni from Inter

Barcelona’s pursuit of Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni has hit a significant roadblock, with fresh indications that the Italy international is poised to commit his future to the Nerazzurri. According to Matteo Moretto, negotiations over a new contract are already under way between Bastoni and the Serie A club, a development that would effectively shut the door on any summer switch to Camp Nou.

The Catalan giants had identified the 25-year-old centre-back as a prime target to reinforce their back line, but Moretto’s update suggests the player’s representatives and Inter are closing in on an extension that would remove him from the market. Beyond the contractual impasse, the likely scale of Bastoni’s valuation is expected to test Barcelona’s financial limits, further complicating any potential deal.

Perhaps more telling is the player’s own stance. Speaking to reporters at the end of last year, Bastoni dismissed speculation linking him with a move away from Milan. “It makes me proud to see links, it means I’m doing well – but there’s zero, nothing,” he said. “I’m happy here at Inter and I have zero issues or problems here. I don’t even focus on the news.”

With Inter keen to secure one of their defensive cornerstones and Bastoni himself professing contentment at San Siro, Barcelona may be forced to turn their attention elsewhere as they map out their summer rebuild.