The Spanish newspaper 'Mundo Deportivo' revealed that Barcelona has set Italian defender Alessandro Bastoni, player of Inter Milan, as its main target to strengthen the defense line during the upcoming summer transfer window, amidst positive indications regarding the possibility of completing the deal.

The newspaper explained that Barcelona has identified two main priorities in the transfer market, which are signing a direct striker and acquiring a left-back defender, with the 26-year-old Bastoni topping the list of preferred options for the sports management led by Deco. He surpasses Croatian Gvardiol, who is considered a complicated option due to Manchester City's insistence on retaining his services, in addition to his recent shinbone injury.

According to the Spanish newspaper, Barcelona has intensified its moves in recent weeks towards Bastoni, especially after inquiries made in the player's surroundings, which showed the Italian international's openness to the idea of changing the atmosphere and joining the Catalan team, provided that the sports and financial offers align with his ambitions. The communications between the two parties indicate a convergence of views, despite not reaching a final agreement yet.

Sources inside the club, according to the newspaper, confirmed that the deal is under control in terms of the player's desire, as Bastoni shows readiness to wear the Barcelona jersey next season, preferring not to listen to other potential offers. The defender is tied to a contract with Inter Milan until June 30, 2028, but he views Barcelona's project positively, which includes a group of young talents like Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Fermin, Gavi, Koubarsi, and Juan Garcia.

The report added that Bastoni's current situation with Inter might contribute to facilitating the deal, as the player is not going through his best times after receiving criticism in Italy following a simulation incident, along with the disappointment after the team's early exit from the Champions League playoff against Bodo/Glimt, having reached the final last season.

The newspaper also pointed out that Inter Milan's financial and sports conditions might push it to consider selling some of its players, given the club's need to renew its squad, which includes several aging elements, as well as the effort to alleviate financial burdens resulting from previous debts.

In this context, Barcelona's management sees that the value of the deal might range between 55 and 60 million euros, which is less than the player's market valuation, estimated by Transfermarkt at about 70 million euros.

Conversely, Inter Milan has started to move in anticipation of Bastoni's possible departure by monitoring several defenders in the Italian league, including Tarek Muharemovic from Sassuolo and Omar Suli from Udinese.

The report indicated that the financial aspect is an important factor in the deal, as Bastoni currently earns 5.5 million euros annually under his contract extending until 2028, while Inter offered to raise his salary to 7 million euros. Meanwhile, the offer Barcelona is considering is expected to be higher than that. The Catalan club has also studied the operation according to financial fair play rules and sees it as possible if they return to the 1:1 rule next summer.