Throughout the 2025–26 season, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barcelona</a> have targeted Alessandro Bastoni as one of their main objectives to strengthen the defensive line. While his arrival initially seemed difficult, the Italian is now reportedly close to the Blaugranas. Following inconsistent performances, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter-milan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Inter Milan</a> have supposedly opened the door to negotiations for the defender, requesting around €80 million for his transfer.



According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter Milan executives have given their approval for contacts to begin between Barcelona and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/alessandro-bastoni/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alessandro Bastoni</a>. Despite this, the Blaugrana have not yet made an offer that fully convinces the Nerazzurri, as they are proposing €40–45 million plus add-ons, while Inter are asking for €70–80 million. However, negotiations are reportedly moving in a positive direction.



The Blaugranas would not have issues reaching an agreement on personal terms with Bastoni, as they have been in talks with his agents for several months. However, they need to offload some players in order to fit the deal financially, reports Florian Plettenberg. Despite this, coach Hansi Flick continues to view him as the top priority to strengthen the defensive line.



<h2>Barcelona might let some players leave to make room for Bastoni</h2>



Hansi Flick has managed to keep Barcelona as one of the most competitive teams. Despite this, they have not stood out defensively, making the arrival of Alessandro Bastoni a necessary move. However, the signing of the Italian could lead to the departure of some players, as they look to create room within the salary cap. In light of this, Ronald Araújo and Marc Casadó could be the most likely candidates.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/12/18164345/alessandro-bastoni-inter-milan-1920x1080.webp" alt="Alessandro Bastoni of Inter." class="wp-image-610899"><figcaption>Alessandro Bastoni of Inter.</figcaption></figure>



The Blaugranas have not relied on Ronald Araújo or Marc Casadó as key figures, with several players ahead of them in the rotation. Despite of this, both stars have made it clear that they have no intention of leaving Barcelona. For this reason, they might find it quite difficult to convince them to leave, so they might opt to free up space by making other departures.


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After failing to shine at AS Monaco and losing Flick’s backing, Ansu Fati is looking to leave the team permanently. Along with him, Marc-André ter Stegen and Wojciech Szczęsny could also leave the team, as Barcelona are reportedly looking to pursue a younger goalkeeper. Furthermore, Marcus Rashford’s future at the club is also unclear. With these departures, they could free up space in the salary cap and make room for Bastoni.

Alessandro Bastoni nears €80 million move to Barcelona as Inter Milan reportedly open to negotiations

Alessandro Bastoni nears €80 million move to Barcelona as Inter Milan reportedly open to negotiations - World Soccer Talk

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This week, Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time, and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/alessandro-bastoni/">Alessandro Bastoni</a> played a regrettably pivotal role in that failure. The fallout from it could help Barcelona in negotiations for the defender.



Italy’s elimination in the European playoffs came via penalties after a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, things had started well for the Azzurri, who took the lead through a goal from Moise Kean. Bastoni, though, was sent off in the 41st minute of the first half, severely hurting the team’s chances.



With the result decided, Bastoni became the focal point of criticism. The Italian press singled him out as one of the main culprits, labeling his red card as “stupid.” In addition, La Gazzetta dello Sport wrote: “Bastoni and a disastrous 2026.”



Italian fans also made their frustration clear, flooding his social media posts with aggressive comments. According to Mundo Deportivo, the player’s latest post received more than 13,000 comments, prompting Bastoni and his wife to restrict interactions on their Instagram accounts to stop the harassment.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/04/01173644/bastoni-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-633183"><figcaption>Bastoni was sent off during the first half of the match between Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Barcelona are interested in Bastoni</h2>



The difficult situation surrounding Alessandro Bastoni, amid widespread criticism from both media and fans in Italy, could prove decisive for his future. In that context, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/">Barcelona</a> are circling, waiting for the right opportunity to open negotiations.


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“At the club, they believe they can land Bastoni for a fee capped at €55–60 million, and Italy’s elimination along with the public backlash could ease the player’s exit,” Mundo Deportivo report.



It is well known that Barcelona are in the market for a left-footed center back to fill the void left by Inigo Martinez, who joined Al Nassr at the start of the season. Bastoni is considered one of the top priorities, although he faces competition from other targets such as Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck and Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi.



<h2>Bastoni left out of the World Cup again</h2>



Despite being one of the most sought-after defenders in the world, Alessandro Bastoni’s international career has been far less accomplished than expected. At 26, he has yet to play in a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup/">World Cup</a>, with Italy having missed the tournament since 2014.



Bastoni made his international debut in 2020 and, a year later, won the UEFA Euro 2020 with Italy, defeating England on penalties. However, in World Cup qualifiers, he has been unable to help his national team secure qualification for 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups.



At best, Bastoni could make his World Cup debut in 2030 at age 30, a situation similar to that of other stars from the country such as Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sandro Tonali, Nicolo Barella and Moise Kean.

How Italy’s World Cup failure could help Barcelona land Alessandro Bastoni

How Italy’s World Cup failure could help Barcelona land Alessandro Bastoni - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barcelona</a> are looking for a reliable center back to pair with Pau Cubarsí. Finding a left-footed defender with technique for that role is not easy, since players like that are hard to come by. Their preferred option appears to be Inter‘s Alessandro Bastoni, and a new report suggests good news for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/hansi-flick/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hansi Flick</a>.



According to Diario Sport, Inter are already looking for defenders to replace Bastoni in the next transfer window. The publication says Napoli’s Alessandro Buongiorno, Roma’s Evan Ndicka and Bologna’s Jhon Lucumí are among the names they are considering as possible replacements if their star defender leaves.



This is great news for Barcelona, since a few weeks ago the possibility of Bastoni joining the club seemed too distant. He is a very important part of a team that wants to win every competition. With the player seemingly open to a move to Spain after liking posts related to his transfer on social media, this adds to the excitement of fans who want to see him wearing the Barcelona shirt.



<h2>Alternative to Bastoni</h2>



This negotiation does not seem easy, as Barcelona have struggled financially for many years. Every major name in the market appears out of reach for that reason, so the club needs backup plans.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/03/21182943/senesi-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-629959"><figcaption>Senesi could arrive for free in the next market (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



The loss of Iñigo Martínez last year was strongly felt in a team that needs a very specific set of qualities from its defenders under Flick. The gap was covered with some solid performances from Gerard Martín, who is not certain to return to the team.


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A player to keep an eye on is Marcos Senesi. The Argentine has become a dependable piece for Bournemouth with strong Premier League experience. His biggest advantage as an option for Barcelona, even if Bastoni is signed, is his price, since he could arrive on a free transfer.



<h2>Bastoni’s price tag</h2>



Inter will not let a key player leave easily for a team that competes with them in the Champions League. For now, there is optimism in Barcelona that they could reach an agreement with the Italians, possibly offering a player as part of the deal to lower the fee. His reported price tag is around $75 million, or 70 million euros, which could put the Spanish club out of the race.

Alessandro Bastoni reports could be great news for Barcelona in their search for Inter’s defender

Alessandro Bastoni reports could be great news for Barcelona in their search for Inter’s defender - World Soccer Talk

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Alessandro Bastoni nears €80 million move to Barcelona as Inter Milan reportedly open to negotiations

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How Italy’s World Cup failure could help Barcelona land Alessandro Bastoni

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Alessandro Bastoni reports could be great news for Barcelona in their search for Inter’s defender