Barcelona press pause on key defensive target’s pursuit to prioritise striker signing
Barcelona press pause on key defensive target’s pursuit to prioritise striker signing Barcelona’s pursuit of Alessandro Bastoni is entering a tense phase as uncertainty continues surrounding the next steps of the operation. The Inter Milan defender remains one of Barcelona’s preferred targets to strengthen the back line, but fresh reports from SPORT suggest frustration is beginning to grow in Italy because of the lack of concrete movement from the Catalan side. While Barcelona have not abandoned the idea of signing Bastoni, the club has temporarily shifted focus towards reinforcing the attack first and that delay is now creating nervousness around the situation.
Inter and Bastoni waiting for Barcelona As such, both Inter and the player expected Barcelona to formally advance negotiations this week through an official proposal. Bastaoni and Inter are getting tired of waiting for Barcelona. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) However, no offer has yet arrived, leaving the Italian side increasingly eager for clarity .
Barcelona, on their part, have already communicated their interest clearly to Bastoni’s camp and are said to have outlined the structure of a possible five-year agreement with the defender. From the player’s side, there continues to be a strong willingness to complete the move. Still, the decisive stage, negotiations between clubs, has not properly begun.
The Catalan side is aware that any major defensive investment must fit carefully within their financial structure, especially with striker recruitment currently taking priority internally. Reports in Italy even suggest Inter are looking for a transfer package close to €60 million, although Barcelona do not view that figure as realistic under their current conditions. Barcelona have paused the Bastoni operation.
(Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images) Instead, Barça are believed to be exploring formulas involving player exchanges in order to reduce the overall cost of the operation. Could become risky if delay continues Barcelona’s handling of the Bastoni situation could backfire for the Blaugrana at any given point.