Boost For Inter Milan As Barcelona Frustration Turns Interest Away From Italy Star | OneFootball

Inter Milan have received an indirect but significant boost in their efforts to retain Alessandro Bastoni, with Barcelona growing frustrated by the fee being demanded for the Italy defender and beginning to explore alternative targets.

According to Sportitalia, via FCInterNews, the Catalans have been caught off guard by the price Inter are insisting on for Bastoni’s signature.

That frustration has prompted Barcelona to widen their search.

Indeed, with Josko Gvardiol of Manchester City emerging as one of the profiles under consideration.

Notably, Sportitalia make clear that Jhon Lucumi and Evan N’Dicka have been ruled out, their characteristics do not suit Hansi Flick’s defensive requirements.

Barcelona are looking for something specific, and Bastoni remains the ideal fit. But at Inter’s price, the deal is proving difficult to structure.

Inter Press Ahead With Own Defensive Rebuild Regardless Of Bastoni Future With Barcelona

For Inter, the development is welcome but not a reason for complacency.

The club are pushing ahead with their own defensive reinforcement plans.

Indeed, identifying Solet and Muharemovic as the two priority targets regardless of what happens with Bastoni.

If he stays, those signings replace the three expiring contracts of Acerbi, De Vrij and Darmian.

If he leaves, Inter’s ambitions in the market intensify further, with a higher calibre of replacement required.

Barcelona have not walked away.

However, the gap between what they want to pay and what Inter are demanding is real.

And, indeed, every day it remains unbridged works in the Nerazzurri’s favour.