Barcelona identify Gvardiol and Bastoni as top defensive targets  | OneFootball

Barcelona have identified Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol and Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni as top defensive targets next summer (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

The Catalan giants have prioritised signing a new centre-back due to the uncertain futures of Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen.

Araujo’s season has taken a turn for the worse after taking an indefinite break to recover from mental health issues.

The Uruguayan plunged into depression following his catastrophic performance against Chelsea in the Champions League last month.

He plans to return after the Christmas break, but it is uncertain whether he can regain his place in the squad. There are also reports that the Catalan giants could cash in on him in the summer.

On the other hand, Christensen’s contract expires at the end of the season, and Barca have no intentions to renew it.

The 29-year-old’s constant injury troubles over the last two seasons have hampered his progress and seen him slip down the defensive pecking order at Barca.

Barca are looking to add a high-profile ball-playing left-footed centre-back to their ranks, who can spearhead their backline in the long run.

Gvardiol and Bastoni appear to be tailor-made options for the Blaugrana, but their steep price tags could be a sticking point.

The Croatian international has firmly established himself as a pillar in City’s defence since his transfer from RB Leipzig in 2023 in a €90 million deal.

The 23-year-old has racked up two goals and four assists in 19 games this season, playing a pivotal role in City’s quest for silverware following a trophyless 2024/25 campaign.

Gvardiol’s extraordinary progressive passing and carrying stats strengthen his status as an elite modern-day centre-back.

His contract expires in 2028, and the Cityzens consider him an integral part of their future. Only Pep Guardiola’s exit next summer could open the door for Barca.

Similarly, Bastoni has been a cornerstone in Inter’s defence for a long time, and the Italian also recently shrugged off his exit rumours, insisting that he is comfortable at San Siro.

MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 26: Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale Milano runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Metropolitano on November 26, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The Italian centre-back is also technically proficient, showcasing a high-level passing prowess while combining his large stature and his good reading of the game to dominate the defensive duels.

His deal with Inter expires in June 2028.

Barca are confident they can operate under the 1:1 Financial Fair Play Rule next summer, which will allow them to register players without any constraints.

The La Liga champions are also monitoring cost-effective options like Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck.

Manager Hansi Flick has been using Gerard Martin as a make-shift centre-back in recent games.