Barcelona is actively seeking to strengthen their defense with a new center-back this summer, prioritizing proven quality to address their current vulnerabilities. Alessandro Bastoni has emerged as their top target, though the club’s sporting department is evaluating several candidates.
Among these potential signings is Cristian Romero, who is expected to depart Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the season, irrespective of their Premier League status. Discussions with Romero’s representatives have already taken place, and this development has reached Bastoni and his camp.
Inter Milan is also reportedly aware of Barcelona’s interest in Romero. According to reports, both Inter and Bastoni are concerned that Barcelona’s pursuit of the Italian international could jeopardize their own transfer plans. Tottenham may be willing to accept a lower fee for Romero compared to Inter’s valuation of Bastoni, creating a potential hurdle for Inter if they maintain their current demands.
Currently, Inter is requesting €60 million for Bastoni, while Barcelona is unwilling to exceed €50 million. This latter figure is likely to be sufficient for Romero, prompting Inter to consider whether to lower their asking price for Bastoni, especially given their apparent readiness to sell their star defender this summer.
Bastoni’s Stance: Awaiting Club Agreement
While Bastoni himself has expressed a desire to join Barcelona, he is currently not inclined to force an immediate departure from Inter. He is hopeful for an amicable agreement between the two clubs. However, if such a resolution appears increasingly unlikely, he may feel compelled to communicate his position more assertively to Inter.
The direction of Barcelona’s center-back search remains to be seen. Bastoni would undoubtedly be a significant acquisition, crucially filling the void left by Iñigo Martínez’s departure last summer. Nevertheless, Barcelona must exercise financial prudence in their pursuit, as they also require a new starting striker.
