Inter Milan eye summer move for Barcelona captain – key to unlocking Bastoni transfer? | OneFootball

According to Corriere dello Sport (h/t SPORT), Inter Milan are highly interested in FC Barcelona captain and defender Ronald Araujo as one of their priority targets for the summer.

Having just completed a domestic double in Italy, the Nerazzurri are now determined to finally make a serious push for the UEFA Champions League next season.

The Italian giants are therefore planning an ambitious transfer window, one that will likely also require player sales, and strengthening the defence with a major signing is among their top priorities.

Araujo emerges as a key target

As such, Araujo has emerged as one of Inter Milan’s main targets to reinforce the backline next season, along with Luka Vuskovic of Tottenham Hotspur.

Araujo on Inter Milan’s radar. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Inter’s interest in Araujo is understood to be serious, and the operation is currently being studied by the new Serie A champions.

The Uruguayan defender’s agent has strong connections with the Italian heavyweights and has completed several major deals with the club in recent years.

Key to unlocking Bastoni transfer?

The main question now is whether Araujo could potentially become part of a deal involving Alessandro Bastoni, whose transfer to Barcelona has cooled in recent weeks because of Inter’s high financial demands.

The reality is that Barça are searching for a left-footed central defender, as they already have an excess of right-footed options, and Bastoni remains highly appreciated by the club. The biggest obstacle is Inter’s valuation of the defender, which exceeds €60 million.

Barcelona are interested in Bastoni. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The Blaugrana have consistently looked for a scenario that would involve including a player in the deal to reduce the final cost, but so far, no formal negotiations have taken place between the two clubs.

Araujo wants to stay

At the same time, Barcelona are very satisfied with Araujo’s performances since his return after his enforced break during the middle of the season. He has played well and remains an important and highly respected figure inside the dressing room.

And everything suggests Araujo himself has no intention of leaving Barcelona, despite his more limited role after losing his starting place.

Meanwhile, unless something unexpected happens, both the coaching staff and sporting management would like him to remain part of the next project.