Serie A giants give green light to Barcelona to open initial talks for priority target | OneFootball

Alessandro Bastoni has emerged as the top defensive priority for Barcelona, and the latest developments suggest the Catalan club are already moving with intent.

According to fresh reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Barcelona have been given the green light to initiate early contacts regarding the Italian centre-back. 

While there is still a long road ahead before any deal is finalised, the situation is evolving quickly behind the scenes.

Contrary to earlier speculation surrounding an inflated valuation, the financial reality appears far more reasonable. 

What are the finances?

Initial figures being discussed are significantly lower than expected, opening a realistic path for Barcelona to push forward.

As per the outlet, rumours about Inter pocketing €70-80m are not true, and the reality is that negotiations can start from around €40-45m, including variables.

Meanwhile, it must be noted that Barcelona have already taken the first step by entering discussions with the player’s representatives, aiming to understand the contractual landscape and potential feasibility of a move.

Inter have given the green light to Bastoni’s transfer. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Importantly, at this stage, Barcelona have deliberately avoided direct negotiations with Inter Milan. 

Internally, there is a growing belief that the operation remains on track and confidence within the club comes from two crucial elements. 

First is Bastoni’s openness to joining, and second is Inter’s ongoing financial constraints, which could force their hand in the market.

Not a clear deal

However, the deal is far from straightforward, as Bastoni remains tied to Inter until 2028, which strengthens the Italian club’s negotiating position and ensures that any transfer will require careful structuring.

Despite that, signs from Italy indicate that Inter are already preparing for a possible departure. 

Their sporting management has begun mapping out defensive alternatives, signalling that they are not entirely ruling out a sale.

The potential exit of Bastoni could trigger a wider defensive overhaul at the club, especially with experienced figures like Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij nearing the end of their current deals.