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Barcelona are set to pursue a new center back in the upcoming summer transfer window, with reports indicating they have already initiated discussions with standout Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni.
Much of the focus has been on Barcelona's pursuit of a top-class forward, but the Catalan club are equally keen on bringing in a new center back to form a long-term partnership with Pau Cubarsí, with Bastoni emerging as the leading candidate on their shortlist.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona have already made contact with Bastoni's representatives to begin exploring potential contract terms in a bid to secure the 26-year-old Italian's signature.
Barcelona's approach would be to first reach a personal agreement with the player before entering into transfer fee negotiations with Inter Milan.
How Realistic is Bastoni's Transfer for Barcelona?
On paper, Bastoni's move to Barcelona seems like an obvious fit, but brokering a deal with Inter Milan is likely to prove far more challenging in practice.
Barcelona's financial situation has seen them complete just four permanent signings across the four transfer windows of the Hansi Flick era, and while the club are confident they will comply with La Liga's 1:1 rule (€1 earned for every €1 spent) by summer, there is still no certainty they will be able to operate freely once the window opens.
Inter Milan, who have faced Financial Fair Play issues of their own, are under no obligation to sell Bastoni given that his contract runs until 2028. The Nerazzurri would be willing to discuss his departure, per MARCA, but their valuation could be steep, particularly for Barça, who are simultaneously pursuing an elite striker.
Newly re-elected Barça president Joan Laporta has consistently maintained that transfer targets should publicly express their desire to join the club. This tactic, in theory, puts pressure on the player's current club to facilitate the move.
Bastoni has previously spoken highly of players like Pau Cubarsí and Lamine Yamal, and publicly declaring his interest in joining them in Catalonia could prove pivotal to any potential deal.
Why Barcelona Want Bastoni
Barcelona view Bastoni as the ideal candidate to finally address the significant void left by Iñigo Martínez, who unexpectedly departed for the Saudi Pro League ahead of the 2025–26 season.
The left-footed Italian would fit seamlessly alongside Cubarsí on his right in the heart of Barcelona's defense. At just 26, Bastoni already boasts considerable experience, with nearly 300 appearances for Inter and over 40 for the Italian national team, and he could play a key role in guiding the young Spaniard's growth as both continue to develop.
He possesses all the hallmarks of a classic Italian defender while also excelling as a ball-playing distributor — a quality that is virtually essential to thrive at Barcelona. In short, he is widely regarded as one of the finest center backs in the world right now.
It is easy to see why Bastoni tops Barcelona's center back wishlist, but only time will tell whether they can land their dream signing or will need to turn their attention to other options.