Inter Milan Identify Napoli & Roma Stars Among Potential Replacements If Italy Defender Joins Barcelona | OneFootball

Inter Milan have drawn up a shortlist of potential Alessandro Bastoni replacements as Barcelona accelerate their pursuit of the Italy defender, with Napoli’s Alessandro Buongiorno, Roma’s Evan Ndicka and Bologna’s Jhon Lucumi all identified as candidates.

Both sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick have made a left-footed centre-back their top defensive priority, and Bastoni is the man they want.

The transfer seemed unlikely just a few months ago, but Sport report that all parties are now focused on making it happen.

Barcelona first contacted Bastoni’s representatives at the start of the season.

That initial meeting produced a positive response, and the player’s openness to the move has grown since.

Inter Weigh Up Ndicka & Buongiorno As Alternatives If Bastoni Joins Barcelona

Crucially, Inter themselves have shifted their position.

While they were previously reluctant to sell, they now accept that Bastoni could leave, and that the funds generated could finance the signings Chivu and Ausilio want to make this summer.

Inter’s current valuation stands at around €70 million.

Barcelona are aware that figure could come down, potentially through a player-plus-cash structure, though including a Barca player in the deal carries its own complications given the Catalans are reluctant to destabilise their squad at a critical point of the season.

Barcelona plan to intensify contact in April.

However, they want Bastoni himself to drive the process, making clear that, if he leaves Inter, his only destination is the Camp Nou.

From that point, the negotiation can begin in earnest.