Barcelona hierarchy identifies €80m-rated Serie A heavyweight as a priority target for 2026 – report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are unlikely to make any major moves to strengthen the squad before the ongoing transfer window closes in under two weeks.

However, plans are already being drafted for the next year. One of the major issues that the Blaugrana wish to address in 2026 is to sign a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, it appears that the Blaugrana plan on bringing in a top-quality centre-back to pair with Pau Cubarsi for the long run.

Alessandro Bastoni emerges as a priority target

To that end, Fichajes now reports that Barcelona are preparing for the signing of Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan for the 2026 summer transfer window.

Club president Joan Laporta, director Deco and manager Hansi Flick are all in agreement that the Italian defender fits the profile they are looking for following the departure of Inigo Martinez to Al Nassr.

At 26 years old, Bastoni has established himself as one of the best defenders in Europe. He has two Serie A titles to his name and has played in two Champions League finals with the Nerazzurri, proving his reliability on the biggest stages.

Bastoni on Barcelona’s radars. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The fact that he is a left-footed centre-back is particularly attractive to Barcelona, who prioritise a player with strong ball-playing ability to partner Cubarsi in the coming years.

Inter Milan are not willing to easily part ways with Bastoni. They already rejected a Chelsea offer worth around €50 million this summer. However, in 2026, the defender will enter the final two years of his contract, which opens a potential opportunity for Barcelona.

Barcelona will need a sale to accommodate Bastoni

Before moving for Bastoni, Barça plan to make space in the squad. Ronald Araujo’s name has been mentioned as a possible departure if he does not establish himself as an undisputed starter this season.

The sporting management’s plan is clear: secure a significant transfer fee for a centre-back and reinvest part of that amount in the signing of the Inter Milan ace.

Barcelona have already communicated their intention to Bastoni’s camp for him to be one of their major signings in 2026, while Inter Milan will try to keep him with a contract renewal.

*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.