Barcelona’s pursuit of Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni has reportedly cooled due to the Nerazzurri’s valuation and the player’s suitability for a four-man defence, according to reports in Italy. Inter are seeking no less than €60 million for Bastoni, a figure that, combined with the club’s need to finance other targets like Guglielmo Vicario, has proven a significant obstacle for the Catalan club.
Inter coach Cristian Chivu and Hansi Flick are both understood to agree that Bastoni is not ideally suited to a traditional four-man defensive line, lacking the pace required to effectively defend in open space. His strengths lie in his ability to operate as an additional midfielder and support attacking phases, a quality that would be diminished in a more conventional defensive setup. This assessment has contributed to Barcelona’s waning interest.
Bastoni, 25, has been a key figure in Inter’s recent successes, playing a vital role in their Serie A title win in 2021 and their run to the Champions League final last season. He has established himself as one of the most promising young centre-backs in Europe, though his positional attributes are better suited to a three-man system.
Inter appear content to retain Bastoni, which will likely mean Chivu continues with a three-man defensive system to maximise the player’s strengths alongside Federico Dimarco. The club is focusing its defensive recruitment on alternatives to the current starting trio of Benjamin Bisseck, Manuel Akanji (whose loan will become a permanent €15 million deal), and Bastoni. They are also considering bringing back Alexandar Stankovic for a reported €15 million, and are monitoring Manu Koné and Curtis Jones as potential midfield reinforcements following the expected departure of Davide Frattesi and the impending exit of Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
In attack, Inter are expected to maintain their current forward line of Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram, Marko Arnautovic, and Sebastiano Esposito. Nico Paz remains a priority target, with the club prepared to offer upwards of €50 million to Real Madrid, potentially including a buyback or counter-buyback clause. Moussa Diaby is also a target, while Jones could be deployed in an attacking midfield role.
