Barcelona close in on Bastoni as Inter Milan soften transfer stance

Alessandro Bastoni is edging closer to a move to Barcelona after Inter Milan reportedly lowered their financial demands for the highly-rated Italian defender.

Initially, the Serie A club was understood to be holding out for a fee in the region of €80 million for the 24-year-old, a valuation that reflected his status as one of Europe’s most accomplished centre-backs. However, recent developments in negotiations suggest a shift in approach.

According to sources, Inter are now willing to consider a deal in the region of €50 million, with additional performance-related add-ons included in the structure. The revised terms are believed to have made the transfer significantly more attainable for Barcelona, who have identified the defensive position as a priority for strengthening ahead of the new season.

Bastoni is said to be fully committed to the move, with reports indicating he has made Barcelona his preferred destination and is not entertaining offers from other interested clubs. The prospect of playing in La Liga and becoming a central figure in the club’s long-term project is understood to be a key factor in his thinking.

From a tactical standpoint, Barcelona view Bastoni as an ideal fit for their system. His comfort in possession, ability to progress the ball from deep areas, and composure in high-pressure situations align closely with the club’s traditional philosophy of building from the back.

For Inter, the decision to lower their asking price is believed to stem from both financial considerations and broader squad planning. While Bastoni remains a highly valued member of the squad, the club may be prepared to cash in and reinvest the funds in other areas should an acceptable agreement be reached.

Negotiations are expected to continue in the coming days, with both clubs working to finalise the finer details, including the structure of add-ons and payment terms.

Should the transfer go through, it would represent a major coup for Barcelona and signal the end of a successful chapter for Bastoni at Inter, where he has developed into one of the finest defenders in European football.