Exclusive: Barcelona have placed 26-year-old Serie A centre-back at top of defensive shortlist | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have had defensive frailties exposed early on in the La Liga season. Their high-line tactics have been repeatedly exposed by the opposition teams, and they have conceded far more chances than they would have liked.

The Catalan club has conceded just 3 goals in the three games so far, but that has largely been down to the quality of goalkeeping from Joan Garcia. In the absence of Inigo Martinez, the Barcelona backline has struggled.

Bastoni emerges as top defensive Barcelona target

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Signing a new centre-back could be on the agenda for Deco & co. in the not-so-distant future. Now, sources have informed Sempre Barca that Barcelona have identified Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni and placed him at the top of their defensive shortlist.

Bastoni has widely been regarded as one of the best central defenders in the world for a few seasons now. He is left-footed and excels both with the ball at his feet and defensively. He is a very intelligent footballer.

Sempre Barca have learnt that Barcelona are hoping to take advantage of the Italian’s interest in the project. He is said to be willing to move to Spain to continue his career and would be a good fit for Hansi Flick’s tactical setup.

Lisandro Martinez considered a backup option

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While interest in the player is obvious, Inter’s asking price of around €80 million doesn’t fit into Barcelona’s financial plan. Thus, sources have informed us that the club is also lining up backups, including Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez.

The Argentinian is expected to be slightly more attainable due to his injury history. He is very intelligent and the kind of defender who would be able to play the high-line to perfection. That said, Bastoni continues to be the priority.

If the right conditions are met, Flick and Deco will push hard to sign Bastoni. Signing the Italian would be a massive coup for the Catalan club, and let’s wait and see how things play out on this front in the coming transfer window.