Barcelona admire Alessandro Bastoni. They just don’t €70 million admire him.
The La Liga club have made it clear they won’t be dragged into a long, draining transfer saga with Inter Milan over the Italy international, despite serious interest in the defender, according to Il Resto del Carlino via FCInter1908.
Inter’s stance is firm. Bastoni, still only 26, is viewed by Cristian Chivu as the defensive pillar of a side cruising at the top of Serie A. That belief is reflected in a hefty valuation: around €70m for their left-sided center-back.
Barcelona see things differently. Their interest is real, but their limit is set: roughly €40m. Not a cent more, as things stand.
Deco Pushes Back
Sporting chief Deco has, per the report, effectively fired a warning shot in Inter’s direction. Lower the demands, or forget about a deal this summer.
The timing is intriguing. Bastoni has endured a difficult spell, with sections of the Serie A fanbase turning on him in recent months. That has opened the door, at least in theory, to a move away from San Siro, with the player understood to be weighing up his options.
Barcelona are watching closely, waiting to see if Inter blink first.
Lucumi Waiting in the Wings
But this is not a chase at any cost. The Catalan club have already lined up an alternative.
If Inter refuse to soften their stance, Barcelona are prepared to pivot back to Jhon Lucumi. Hansi Flick’s side tried to prise the Colombian from Bologna last summer after parting company with Inigo Martinez, and that interest has not disappeared.
The plan is simple: push Bastoni’s price down to a level they consider reasonable. If Inter hold the line at €70m, Barcelona will switch targets and move again for Lucumi.
Inter have the asset. Barcelona have the limit. The next move will show who truly needs this deal more.
