Barcelona ‘have opened’ talks for Alessandro Bastoni | OneFootball

Barcelona are prioritising a new centre-back this summer, with Alessandro Bastoni their leading target. Fabrizio Romano reports they have opened talks with the Inter defender’s representatives to understand his terms.

Hansi Flick and Deco are aligned on Bastoni, who is viewed as the ideal fix for the middle of defence after Inigo Martinez’s departure last summer.

Work is under way behind the scenes to prepare a move, with Barcelona aiming to settle personal terms before opening negotiations with Inter. They want clarity on what the 26-year-old would demand.

Bastoni is under contract until 2028, a factor that gives Barcelona hope of structuring the best possible deal amid ongoing financial constraints. Previous reports suggested Inter would consider offers above €50m, which would represent a major coup for the La Liga leaders.

Even if personal terms are agreed in the coming weeks, Barcelona do not plan to engage Inter until they know their spending capacity. A return to La Liga’s one-to-one rule before season’s end would give more leeway, but they are not close yet.

Bastoni is regarded as a high-calibre addition. Whether Barcelona can make the numbers work with Inter remains uncertain going into the summer.

Source: Football Espana