Inter set €70m price for Bastoni amid Barcelona transfer interest
Inter Milan have placed a €70 million valuation on defender Alessandro Bastoni as Barcelona’s interest in the Italian international becomes increasingly concrete. According to reports from Italy, the Serie A club’s sporting director, Piero Ausilio, has issued a clear directive to the Catalan club, stating that any serious approach must meet their financial demands. "Bastoni has a contract with Inter and today there are no situations that would suggest he is far from here," Ausilio said. "If someone is interested in him, they know the phone numbers and therefore must do that, not talk."
This firm stance underscores Inter’s reluctance to engage in a protracted negotiation, particularly amid doubts within the club's hierarchy over Barcelona’s ability to finance a deal of this magnitude. The Spanish giants, led by president Joan Laporta, are known to be admirers of the left-footed centre-back but face significant financial constraints. The reported €70 million fee is seen as a starting point, with the possibility of negotiations bringing the final figure down to a range between €50 million and €60 million, potentially including a player as part of the exchange.
The valuation reflects the modern market for ball-playing defenders, a category in which the 25-year-old Bastoni excels. A product of Inter’s system, he has been a foundational piece of Simone Inzaghi’s side, known for his composure in possession and progressive passing from the back. His current contract runs until 2028, giving Inter a strong negotiating position. Bastoni missed recent matches against Cagliari and Como due to a minor issue, but is expected to be available for Inter’s upcoming fixture against Torino, with a potential title-clinching match against Parma the following week.
For Barcelona, securing a defender of Bastoni’s profile and age is a clear strategic priority as they look to rebuild their backline for the long term. However, their well-documented financial fair play challenges make a straight cash purchase difficult. This has led to speculation that any deal would require creative structuring, likely involving instalments or a player exchange. Inter’s public stance appears designed to test the seriousness of Barcelona’s interest and expedite the process.
The situation leaves Bastoni’s immediate future uncertain, though the player remains focused on Inter’s pursuit of the Serie A title. His potential departure would represent a significant shift in Inter’s defensive planning, necessitating a major reinvestment. For Barcelona, failing to meet Inter’s demands could see them pivot to alternative, less costly targets in a summer where defensive reinforcements are deemed essential.
