Barcelona Step Up Chase for Inter Milan Defender Alessandro Bastoni

Barcelona have accelerated their pursuit of Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni after club official Deco held talks with the player’s representative to explore a summer move, according to a report in Diario Sport relayed by FCInter1908.

The 26-year-old Italian international, previously courted by Manchester City, has emerged as the Catalan club’s primary defensive target ahead of the next transfer window. Sources indicate that Deco’s conversation with Bastoni’s agent was aimed at sounding out the defender’s stance while simultaneously testing Inter’s readiness to negotiate.

Despite Bastoni never publicly pushing for an exit, his profile has become controversial on the peninsula following incidents during February’s Derby d’Italia, leaving him as one of Serie A’s most criticised figures. That backlash could yet play a role in his final decision.

Inter, for their part, are open to evaluating offers for the former Atalanta man, yet any deal would command a fee exceeding €70 million. Such a valuation presents a significant hurdle for Barcelona, whose financial constraints have been well chronicled. Whether the Blaugrana can assemble the necessary funds remains the pivotal question as the saga heads toward the summer.