Barcelona reach preliminary agreement with top target; talks with club to begin shortly – report | OneFootball

According to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t SPORT), FC Barcelona have taken a significant step in their attempt to secure the signing of Alessandro Bastoni for their next sporting project.

A preliminary agreement has been reached between the Italian defender and the Catalan club for the next five seasons until 2031.

Official talks between the clubs are expected to begin imminently, with Barcelona aiming to complete the deal before the start of the FIFA World Cup as one of their key transfer priorities.

The main challenge now lies in bridging the financial gap in the player’s valuation, although all parties are working towards an agreement.

Bastoni on board

As per the report, Bastoni is fully prepared to pursue a move away from Inter, and the Italian club are already aware of the developments and the player’s position. He is seeking an amicable departure and hopes negotiations will conclude successfully in the coming weeks.

In previous seasons, the Italy international had received significant offers but had always asked the club not to consider them. Now, however, he has changed his stance, placing the outcome in the hands of the two clubs.

Barcelona’s proposal to Bastoni is described as ambitious and aligned with the signing of a player considered strategic for the club. The defender would receive a substantial salary increase and be part of a long-term project, ruling out a contract renewal with Inter.

Barcelona bound? (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

Nevertheless, Bastoni has made it clear that if no agreement is reached between the clubs, he would remain at Inter without issue. For him, there are only two options: Inter or Barcelona, although he is now inclined towards the La Liga champions.

Inter-Barcelona must find an agreement

Inter had remained silent on the matter until this week, when their sporting director Piero Ausilio urged Barcelona to make a move.

In recent months, the Nerazzurri have been aware of Barcelona’s interest through the player’s representatives, but no official contact had been made until now.

Inter value the defender at around €70 million. They are open to a structure involving a lower fixed fee plus add-ons, but such a formula does not align with Barcelona’s approach.

The Catalan club are instead aiming for a deal in the region of €45-50 million, potentially including a young player valued at over €10 million as part of the agreement.

Names such as Hector Fort have been mentioned, while Inter are said to be interested in Roony Bardghji and goalkeeper Aron Yaakobishvili, who is currently enjoying a strong season on loan at Andorra.