Barcelona ready to include academy defender in deal to sign Alessandro Bastoni – report | OneFootball

It is no secret at this point that FC Barcelona have Alessandro Bastoni as their top target for the summer transfer window.

The Blaugrana’s need for a top-quality defender has become very clear in recent days and the Inter Milan mainstay has been identified as the priority target to fix the situation. Negotiations have already started between the two clubs.

A deal for the Italian international, however, could be tricky as Inter are seeking a significant transfer fee for their prized asset – which is a concern for Barça.

Hector Fort to be offered to Inter

As such, Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Mundo Deportivo) reports that Barcelona have proposed to Inter Milan to lower the cost of signing Bastoni by offering young full-back Hector Fort, who is currently on loan at Elche.

As per the Italian publication, Inter are asking for €60 million for Bastoni, a figure that Barça are unwilling to match at this moment.

Bastoni is Barcelona’s top target. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Therefore, Barça have proposed to Inter Milan to include one of their academy players in the deal in the form of Fort.

The 19-year-old La Masia graduate was loaned out to Elche in the summer, where he has had a difficult time due to a shoulder injury that has kept him out of action since December.

Fort has played only 12 times for his loan club this term, scoring and assisting two goals apiece.

With Jules Kounde the obvious pick as right-back at Barcelona and Eric Garcia also competing for the position, there may not be space for Fort in the team next season – even more so with Xavi Espart also breaking into the first-team squad.

So, including him in the deal for Bastoni might be a good move, although it remains to be seen if Inter Milan are willing to accept such a proposal.