Barcelona continues its moves to strengthen the defense line before the upcoming summer transfer market, with Italian defender Alessandro Bastoni, Inter Milan star, as a top priority, while considering several alternatives in case the deal falls through, according to the Spanish newspaper 'Sport'.

The newspaper explained that the Catalan club's sports management is not content with the option of Bastoni but is closely following other names, most notably Roma defender Evan N'Dicka, who is gaining increasing interest from major clubs in the English Premier League, alongside Bayern Munich, signaling strong competition for his inclusion in the coming period.

Barcelona had already begun its initial moves at the beginning of March, by inquiring about N'Dicka's situation with Roma, in a step aimed at evaluating the available options in the transfer market. Nevertheless, Bastoni remains at the top of the club's interests, especially with indications of his willingness to listen to Barcelona's offer, as well as Inter Milan's openness to negotiations.

In the same context, English reports indicated that Tottenham and Liverpool have shown interest in signing N'Dicka, while 'CaughtOffside' confirmed that Roma does not wish to part with one of its defensive pillars but may be forced to sell the player to alleviate financial burdens, with readiness to listen to offers exceeding 45 million euros.

The same sources added that Manchester United and Bayern Munich are monitoring the Ivorian defender's situation, who previously rejected an offer from Saudi club Al-Nassr last summer, yet economic pressures might push Roma to reconsider his future if a suitable offer from one of Europe's giants arrives.

N'Dicka is 26 years old and will turn 27 next August, with a contract with Roma until the summer of 2028. He has participated in 35 matches across various competitions this season, scoring 5 goals, despite missing the African Cup of Nations period, and is considered a key element in coach Gian Piero Gasperini's formation when ready. The player is known for his physical strength, speed, ability to play with his left foot, and proficiency in building play from the back.

Barcelona's interest is not limited to N'Dicka and Bastoni alone, as they are also monitoring Dutch defender Micky van de Ven, a Tottenham player, who may seek to leave the team he joined in the 2023/2024 season. The player is 24 years old, with a contract extending until June 2029.

Van de Ven has similar specifications, being a strong left-sided defender with good ball-handling skills, in addition to his ability to play as a full-back. Estimates suggest that his market value could reach around 65 million euros, close to the other proposed names, despite Barcelona's efforts to reduce these demands in all cases.

The Catalan club continues to study all available options, anticipating a final decision by the end of the season, where the economic factor will remain decisive in determining the identity of the defender who will lead the team's backline in the next phase.