Alessandro Bastoni Drops a Potentially Major Transfer Hint Amid Barcelona’s Active Pursuit

Barcelona have made no secret of their intentions to move for a new centre-back, and Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni is firmly in their crosshairs.

Barcelona have been left short of options at the heart of their defense, after Inigo Martinez cut his contract short in the summer in favor of a move to Saudi Arabia, before Ronald Araujo was granted leave for a ‘mental health break’ this month.

It is unclear when the latter will return this season, or whether we will see the Uruguayan in a Barca shirt again. Araujo had been a target for Juventus throughout the summer, with the Blaugrana said to be open to selling, had a suitable offer arrived.

This latest troubling chapter may have accelerated that process, and leaves Barca assessing their options at the back.

Pau Cubarsi has been partnered by Gerard Martin of late, who is a left-back by trade. Andreas Christenen is also a reliable option for Hansi Flick, but the club are eager to add a recognized elite defender to shore up the backline.

Alessandro Bastoni is Barcelona’s Chief Target

Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni has long been identified as a suitable candidate by Barcelona, who appreciate the Italian’s metronomic passing and deep-lying playmaking abilities.

His ability to play on the left of a centre-back pairing is ideal given Cubarsi has locked down the right, and both possess the composure and vision that Flick’s system demands.

How easy it’ll be to lure him away from Inter is another question entirely. The now-26-year-old has spent the last eight years at the San Siro, cultivating a hero status and playing for his country on over 40 occasions.

Few centre-backs the better side of 30 have a CV as strong as Bastoni’s, but Barcelona are prepared to sanction a substantial bid, with the club content with their offensive options.

Bastoni played down links to Barcelona, insisting he is “happy” at Inter and doesn’t take notice of the news, although he did admit he was flattered by the rumors.

Bastoni Likes Barcelona Comment on Instagram

Despite waving away any suggestions that he was leaving Inter, Bastoni may have inadvertently opened himself up to a whole new raft of speculation.

Eagle-eyed users on Instagram have spotted a comment underneath a recent post, which reads “Come to Barcelona”

Bastoni has ‘liked’ the comment suggesting he swaps Milan for Catalonia, which has left fans understandably curious about where his future lies.

Bastoni remains under contract for another two years having signed a long-term deal back in 2023, and Inter are reportedly working behind the scenes to tie him down to a bumper new extension.