Barcelona’s pursuit of Italian international uncertain as talks with Inter Milan cool | OneFootball

Earlier in the summer, it was widely believed that Barcelona would do everything in their power to bring in Alessandro Bastoni.

The Italian international was identified as the ideal man to replace Inigo Martinez and become the defensive partner of Pau Cubarsi in the years to come.

However, after continued talks with Inter, Barcelona have yet to make a breakthrough, with recent reports claiming that Hansi Flick is also proving to be an obstacle in the deal.

Barcelona talks with Inter cool

Barcelona’s talks with Inter have cooled. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

A fresh report from Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Mundo Deportivo) now confirms that Barcelona’s pursuit of Bastoni could be in jeopardy as talks between Inter Milan and the Blaugrana have cooled.

The crux of the matter lies in the valuation of Bastoni. Inter value their key defender at around €60 million.

This figure is considered expensive by Barcelona, who are hoping to sign the Italian international on a lowered price-tag. Inter Milan, though, have not budged and have no intention of offloading their star player on a cut-price deal.

Bastoni to continue at Inter?

Bastoni is likely to stay at Inter. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)

The report adds that Bastoni, for his part, wanted a swift move to Barcelona this summer but that never materialised.

The Catalans have not made any efforts to break the impasse, having yet to show concrete interest or even place a bid on the table.

Therefore, everything suggests Bastoni will end up remaining at Inter and continue to wear the Nerazzurri shift next season.

The Catalans still remain keen on reinforcing their ranks in defence, but as things stand, signing top target Bastoni will be next to impossible.