Barcelona looking to pursue 26-year-old Inter Milan defensive star’s signing next summer – Report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have continuously been linked to the possibility of signing a new defender after losing Inigo Martinez this summer. After all, reinforcing the defense is a priority for Barça. Fortunately, they might have a better chance to do so next summer.

With certain big names likely to be available and the Catalan giants hoping to be in a better financial position, 2026 could shape up to be a big year for La Blaugrana. Moreover, a recent report claims it could be the year that Barça ends up pursuing a world-class left-footed center-back as well.

Barcelona identify Bastoni as top defensive target

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According to Fichajes, the Catalan giants are preparing to make a move for Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni in the summer of 2026. At 26 years old, the Italian international is regarded as one of the finest defenders in Europe, combining leadership, experience, and the left-footed profile Barça’s hierarchy has been seeking.

Joan Laporta, Deco, and Hansi Flick are all reportedly aligned in their desire to bring Bastoni to Camp Nou. Seen as the perfect partner for Pau Cubarsi, the Inter defender would add both balance and long-term stability to the backline.

Flick is said to have stressed the need for a defender with strong ball-playing qualities, and Bastoni fits that requirement perfectly. However, the financial aspect of the deal is something that Barça would need to assess a bit more thoroughly.

Financial challenges and transfer possibilities

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Previously, the report claims that even Chelsea saw a €50 million bid rejected for Bastoni. However, Barça will hope that pursuing him in 2026, by which point he will have only two years left on his deal, would make Inter Milan a bit more open to offloading him.

Moreover, if the Italian side is unable to convince him to renew his contract, that could potentially help out Barça a lot as well. While a lot is yet to be sorted out, with the report claiming that the Catalan club intends to inform the player’s entourage of their interest soon as well, it will certainly be an interesting operation to follow.