Barcelona pursue Inter's Bastoni with young talent offered in deal
Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni is the subject of a concrete transfer proposal from Barcelona, with the Catalan club reportedly offering young full-back Hector Fort as part of the deal to lower the cash outlay. According to reports from Italy, Bastoni's representatives have already received the proposal, with both clubs said to share a willingness to conclude a transfer once a fee is agreed. Inter are understood to value the 25-year-old Italian international at approximately 60 million euros.
The pursuit comes amid a challenging period for Bastoni at Inter. The defender has recently faced intense criticism and whistles from opposition fans in stadiums across Italy, a situation sources suggest has led the player to consider that a move abroad could help him regain serenity and pursue the high-level second phase of his career. This follows a series of high-profile incidents, including a controversial penalty conceded against Liverpool in the Champions League and a sending-off while on international duty with Italy.
Bastoni's recent form has also been impacted by physical issues, with manager Dan Chivu opting to rest him for Inter's upcoming Serie A match against Cagliari as a precautionary measure. The defender has been managing a tibia injury that also affected him during Italy's recent match in Bosnia. His absence from the lineup is described as a protective choice rather than a disciplinary one, with the club hoping a brief respite will aid his recovery for the crucial final stretch of the season, which includes a Coppa Italia semi-final second leg against Como.
Barcelona's interest aligns with their strategy of reinforcing their defense while managing financial constraints. The potential inclusion of Hector Fort, a 17-year-old right-back currently on loan at Elche, is a key development in the negotiations. Fort, born in 2006, has impressed when fit, even starting in a 2-2 draw against Real Madrid earlier this season, though he is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury. His inclusion would represent a strategic move by Barcelona to offset a significant portion of the transfer fee.
For Inter, the sale of a key defender would represent a significant moment in their squad evolution. Bastoni, a product of the club's youth system who has been a mainstay in their three-man defense under previous manager Simone Inzaghi, is under contract until 2028. His potential departure would necessitate a major defensive rebuild for a side that is on the verge of securing the Serie A title. The club's stance, according to sources, is that they will not sell the player at a discount, insisting on their valuation being met.
The proposed transfer underscores a parallel between the two clubs: both are set to win their domestic leagues but have endured significant European disappointment this season. A move for Bastoni would signal Barcelona's intent to strengthen their back line with a player entering his prime, while for Inter, it would provide a substantial financial injection and a promising young talent in Fort, reshaping their defensive options for the future.
