Inter defender Bastoni could leave amid Barcelona rumours

Alessandro Bastoni could leave Inter Milan this summer, with Barcelona making initial contact over a potential move for the Italy international, according to reports in Spain and Italy.

Sporting director Deco has already held preliminary discussions with Bastoni’s entourage to sound out the possibility of a deal, according to Sport, with La Gazzetta dello Sport reporting that Inter are prepared to listen to offers, albeit only at a price they deem appropriate.

The Nerazzurri have set a minimum valuation of €70 million for the 25-year-old, who is contracted at San Siro until June 2028.

Inter open to selling key players like Bastoni in the summer

The broader context is important.

Inter’s hierarchy are understood to believe that a cycle has run its course and that a significant squad overhaul is required this summer, and that mentality extends even to key figures previously considered untouchable.

Bastoni, one of the finest left-sided centre-backs in European football and a cornerstone of Inter’s strong teams in recent years, falls into that category.

Any Barcelona move is closely tied to next week’s presidential election at the Catalan club, with current president Joan Laporta standing for re-election. Deco is a Laporta loyalist, meaning the viability of this pursuit depends heavily on the election outcome.

Bastoni is said to have not been entirely cold to the initial approach, though he remains strongly attached to Inter and has not ruled out extending his stay. Should no offer arrive that truly tests Oaktree’s resolve, the club may instead look to open contract extension talks with one of their most important players.