FC Barcelona's summer transfer plans are taking shape, and there is one name above all others on sporting director Deco's list: Alessandro Bastoni.
The 26-year-old Inter Milan centre-back has been identified as Hansi Flick's ideal defensive partner for Pau Cubarsí — a left-footed, technically excellent defender with Champions League experience and the authority to lead from the back. Transfer expert Matteo Moretto confirmed on Radio MARCA that Bastoni is Deco's "main target" for the summer window, adding that the Italian is "fascinated" by the possibility of joining Barcelona and has not closed the door on a move.
Barcelona's interest has been building for months. Deco reportedly travelled to Milan earlier this season to make initial enquiries, and the club are now studying how to structure an offer that Inter would accept. The Nerazzurri have historically considered Bastoni untransferrable, but La Gazzetta dello Sport has reported that Inter would be open to a sale if a bid exceeding €70 million were to arrive. Barcelona are said to be preparing an approach in the region of €80m, and one formula being considered involves including captain Ronald Araújo as a makeweight in the deal — a move that would ease the financial burden while addressing Inter's need for defensive depth.
Bastoni himself acknowledged the rumours at a recent press conference with characteristic calm: "These rumours make me feel proud. Just like you read them, I read them too. It means I'm doing well, but there's nothing to it." He added that he is "happy at Inter" and not focused on the news — but his willingness not to shut the door entirely has been noted in Catalonia.
The deal faces significant hurdles. Barcelona are also planning a major summer move for a striker to replace Robert Lewandowski, whose contract expires in June, with Julián Álvarez the priority. Funding both a €80m centre-back and a €100m+ striker in the same window is a significant financial undertaking, even with the club's improving economic situation under Laporta.
