Serie A defensive heavyweight faces major future decision amid Barcelona interest – report

Serie A club Inter Milan finds itself at an important juncture regarding defender Alessandro Bastoni, following Barcelona's expressed interest in securing his services. SPORT reports that Inter Milan has commenced preliminary talks regarding a contract extension, but the Italian side may consider selling the center-back for less than their initial valuation if Bastoni declines to renew his current deal.

It is known that Barcelona ranks Bastoni among their preferred defensive targets, but Inter's initial demands of around €80 million proved too steep during the previous transfer window. However, with Bastoni's contract expiring in 2028, the choice he makes in the coming months could significantly impact the financial dynamics of a potential future transfer.

Inter Milan is actively pursuing a renewal agreement with Bastoni, who currently earns approximately €6 million per year and has two years left on his existing contract. As the 27-year-old approaches the final 18 months of his current deal, his negotiating position will strengthen in January. Barcelona may have a more advantageous opportunity to sign Bastoni next summer, given Inter Milan's potential shift in valuation.

Notably, Barcelona had previously attempted to sign Bastoni during the summer window, but their bid was dismissed due to Inter's hefty demands. Despite that earlier setback, Barcelona's interest remains intact, with contacts involving Bastoni's representatives remaining open. For now, Inter Milan could be willing to accept a considerably lower fee should Bastoni fail to agree to a new contract in 2027.

The rationale behind this option is that selling the defender would allow Inter Milan to recoup a transfer fee, whereas retaining him until his contract concludes in 2028 would risk losing him without compensation. While no revised asking price has been confirmed, the prospect of a reduced valuation could render the deal more feasible for Barcelona.

Bastoni himself has expressed interest in joining Barcelona, though his primary concern is understanding the sporting project and the role Hansi Flick would offer him. Given Bastoni's established status as Inter's first-choice center-back, his decision carries significant weight for Barcelona, as the club seeks to bolster its defensive lineup with an experienced and technically skilled player.