Fabrizio Romano confirms Barcelona’s concrete interest in 26-year-old Serie A defender | OneFootball

FC Barcelona seem prepared to move heaven and earth to sign a new left-footed center-back who can partner Pau Cubarsi and increase the ceiling of the backline. One name that has been heavily linked in recent weeks is Alessandro Bastoni.

According to Fabrizio Romano via X, Bastoni has been considered Barcelona’s top target for months. That alone says a lot about how clearly the club see the defensive priority for the summer. The Italian says Barca’s interest is “serious and concrete”, and that Bastoni himself is aware of it.

Bastoni as the defender they really want, which makes sense given his profile. He is 26, left-footed, experienced at elite level, and comfortable playing in a possession-heavy team. For Barca, that is a very natural fit. He looks like the kind of centre-back who could complement Pau Cubarsi well and give the back line more balance.

There is still a major obstacle, of course. Romano adds that any deal will depend on negotiations with Inter, and that the price tag has not yet been confirmed despite reports around €50m. That would be a bargain fee for him.

From a Barcelona perspective, wanting Bastoni and being able to complete the deal are still two very different things. Inter are not dealing with a fringe player here, but one of their most important defenders. Even if they want to make a sale, they’ll name their price.

Bastoni is experienced at the biggest stage and Cubarsi would do well to have a leader alongside him in the backline. The duo’s ball-playing abilities will open so many more avenues of attack for Barcelona in the upcoming season.

The Bastoni name seems to be catching on. Let’s wait and see how things play out on this front in the coming months.