Barcelona receive huge boost as Serie A giants open to offers for top target – report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are in the market for a new left-footed centre-back heading into the summer transfer window, with Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni being the top target.

Within the club, the 26-year-old Italian international is viewed as the ideal fit for the Blaugrana’s tactical blueprint under Hansi Flick.

The Catalan giants value his speed, ability to play the ball out from the back, his international experience and his left-footed profile.

However, until now, the feeling was that a move for Bastoni would be difficult, with the Nerazzurri being unlikely to sell their ace defender.

Inter Milan open to Bastoni sale

But now, according to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t SPORT), Inter Milan would be willing to listen to offers for Bastoni starting this summer, as he is not considered one of the untouchable players for the club’s next sporting project.

As things stand, the only players deemed non-transferable by the Italian giants are Francesco Pio Esposito and Lautaro Martinez.

Meanwhile, the Nerazzurri are open to raising funds through a potential sale of Bastoni or midfielder Nicolo Barella, provided the right offer arrives, and the players themselves express a desire to leave.

Barcelona alert and eager

Bastoni to Barcelona on? (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

As per the report, Barcelona have been aware for several weeks that the operation could eventually be successful, as long as the final price fits within their financial limits.

The Blaugrana were already impressed with his performances during the Champions League semifinals last season and have no doubts that he would be a player capable of delivering immediate impact.

Earlier this year, Deco met with Bastoni’s agent to understand the defender’s intentions and to make an initial approach in order to determine whether he might be available on the market.

The feedback from those talks was very positive, and Bastoni would be open to taking the step. However, negotiations with Inter could prove difficult.

Inter are seeking more than €70 million for the defender, although Barcelona believe there may be formulas that could lower the final price of the operation.

The decisive move has not yet begun, but after the upcoming presidential elections, the issue will become a priority for the club.