‘He’s happy here’: Barcelona defensive target’s agent shuts down exit talk | OneFootball

Barcelona have been linked with a number of central defenders ahead of the summer transfer window, with the area proving to be an Achilles heel for Hansi Flick’s men ever since Inigo Martinez left the club.

One of the first names that the club were linked with was Inter Milan central defender Alessandro Bastoni. However, after a few weeks of optimism, talks surrounding the deal have cooled down.

The Italian centre-back is reportedly one of the names admired by Deco and Hansi Flick as Barcelona assess possible defensive reinforcements.

However, Bastoni’s agent, Tullio Tinti, insisted that the 27-year-old is happy at Inter and fully committed to the club.

As quoted by MARCA, he said: “Bastoni is an Inter player in every sense. He has two more years on his contract. He always wears the Inter shirt. He respects the contract and is happy here, there has never been a problem.”

Not going anywhere. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Agent responds to Barcelona interest

When asked directly about Barcelona, Tinti did not deny that Bastoni is admired by major clubs.

He said: “A footballer like him is liked by all the big teams. But he is an Inter player and has a contract with Inter. He will surely stay here. In football anything can happen, but he is happy where he is.”

Bastoni’s price, reportedly around €70 million, was already a major obstacle. Now, his agent and Inter are publicly closing the door.

Barcelona may need other solutions

Bastoni would be an excellent fit for Barca. He is left-footed, composed in possession and experienced at the highest level, exactly the type of defender who could strengthen Flick’s back line.

Bastoni will not be joining Barcelona. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

However, there is no use in pursuing a deal when the door is closed, and it does look like Bastoni will be staying with Inter for the foreseeable future.

What Barcelona need is a defender who has qualities like Bastoni’s. They cannot afford to be chasing a name this summer and should instead focus on the profile.

The agent’s words now leave Deco with one less name to worry about on the defenders shortlist this summer.

It remains to be seen whom Barcelona sign as their new central defender ahead of the new season.