Barcelona continues its moves to strengthen the defense line during the upcoming summer transfer market, with Italian Alessandro Bastoni as the main target, while preparing alternatives in case the deal fails, according to the 'Fichajes' website.

Bastoni is the first choice for the sports management, given his technical quality, ability to build play, and experience at the highest levels, in addition to the possibility of forming a strong duo with Pau Cubarsi in the heart of the defense, where indications suggest a prior agreement between the player and the club.

Nonetheless, the financial obstacle remains, as Barcelona has set its offer ceiling at 50 million euros, while Inter Milan insists on obtaining about 70 million euros, which is delaying the completion of the deal so far.

The same source confirmed that Barcelona will not enter into financial bidding wars, adhering to its economic discipline policy, as it informed Inter Milan's management that it would not exceed its current offer, while being ready to switch to alternative options if the disagreement persists.

In this context, John Lucumi, a Bologna defender, is considered a ready alternative plan, as he is known for his consistent performance in the Italian league, along with his ability to build play, and the fact that signing him would be less costly and easier from a negotiation standpoint.

Barcelona is monitoring the developments in negotiations with Inter Milan in the coming period, where it will make its final decision based on the possibility of reaching an agreement, while maintaining its goal of strengthening the defense line, whether by completing the Bastoni deal or resorting to the available alternative.