Barcelona target agrees a pact with current club over future; will cost at least €70 million | OneFootball

It is no secret that FC Barcelona are chasing the signature of Inter Milan defensive heavyweight Alessandro Bastoni in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The signing of a left-footed centre-back has been identified as a priority by the Catalans’ sporting director, Deco, and Bastoni has emerged as the absolute priority target for the position.

Initial talks have taken place with the Italian international’s entourage, and the response has been very positive, with Bastoni already giving his go-ahead to a potential move in the summer.

The idea was for Barça to begin negotiations with Inter Milan in the coming days and lay the groundwork for an agreement.

No future talks until Serie A title is sealed

However, according to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Bastoni and Inter Milan have reached an agreement regarding his future.

The Italian outlet reports that both the club and the defender have decided to put any talks about a potential departure on hold until Inter are mathematically confirmed as Serie A champions, so as not to disrupt the dressing room.

With this matchday still to be completed, the Nerazzurri sit top of the table, seven points ahead of Napoli, with six games remaining after this weekend.

No future talks until title is secured. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

And, Inter and Bastoni have agreed on a pact not to discuss a possible summer exit at this point, so that there is no unnecessary distraction and unrest in the locker room in a crucial phase of the season.

€70 million fee for Bastoni

The same report adds that Inter will not let their defender leave for less than €70 million, a figure clearly above the limit Barcelona have set for themselves.

Although Bastoni was keen to finalise a move to the Catalan club quickly, Inter’s request to wait until the league title is secured means negotiations between the two clubs will be delayed.

Barça, for their part, are also in a similar situation. While they have La Liga almost wrapped up, they are still focused on a potential comeback in the UEFA Champions League against Atletico on Tuesday.

That means they, too, will have to wait a bit before entering formal talks for Bastoni.

Even so, the positions are quite clear: Bastoni wants to join Barcelona, the Catalan giants want to strengthen their defence with the Italian international, and Inter Milan are open to a sale – as long as their financial demands are met.