Arsenal’s Calafiori identified as Inter first choice to replace Bastoni | OneFootball

If Inter do sell Alessandro Bastoni to Barcelona, then their primary target to replace him is reportedly Arsenal and Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori, with a price-tag mentioned.

Multiple sources in Spain and Italy have confirmed that Bastoni is the first choice for Barcelona to reinforce their defence over the summer, and it will require circa €80m to prise him away from San Siro.

It could include a player in part-exchange, making it more likely to go through.

Calafiori candidate for Inter defence

UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Inter are therefore forced to consider replacing the core of their back three, and L’Interista maintain the ideal option is Calafiori.

He turns 24 in May and is an Italy international just like Bastoni, who similarly holds a hybrid role between centre-back and left-back.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 28: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Arsenal FC and FC Kairat Almaty at Arsenal Stadium on January 28, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Arsenal paid €43.7m plus up to €5m in bonuses to sign Calafiori from Bologna in the summer of 2024, but injury problems and strong competition has seen him make only 29 competitive appearances this season, with just 22 from the start.

According to this report, Arsenal would be prepared to sell the Italian for €50m, so still making a small profit.

Inter would also encourage Calafiori to play in the role he feels most comfortable in rather than as a pure left-back.

This is a very ambitious idea for the Nerazzurri, who generally try to keep costs low, but Bastoni’s sale would generate a huge profit.