Barcelona has identified strengthening the defense as one of its priorities for the next season, right after securing a striker. The sporting management, led by Deco, is looking for a left-footed center-back strong in aerial duels, a profile that becomes even more crucial given the uncertainty surrounding Andreas Christensen's contract renewal. In this context, the main target is Alessandro Bastoni. The 26-year-old defender from Inter is seen as the ideal candidate. He is a key starter for an Inter team that has dominated Italian football in recent years and reached the UEFA Champions League final, and he is also close to achieving fifty caps for the Italian national team. Although there are no formal negotiations yet, Barcelona has already approached the player, who, according to the newspaper Sport, has expressed a desire to move to Camp Nou next season. Inter is also reportedly open to negotiating the transfer, although talks between the clubs have not yet begun. The biggest obstacle to finalizing the deal will be the price. Bastoni's market value is around 70 million euros, a considerable amount for a club that continues to face restrictions imposed by Financial Fair Play. While there is optimism at Camp Nou regarding the possibility of returning to the 1:1 rule in the next market, which allows the club to invest the same amount it earns in profits, this does not mean the club has a free hand to spend, as the accounts must be balanced with the investment already planned for signing a forward, another priority. For now, as the team enters the decisive phase of the season, Barcelona is limited to making preliminary inquiries. However, it has already secured Bastoni's approval to move forward with a formal proposal when the right moment arrives. Nevertheless, Deco has, according to the same source, other options in mind in case the deal for the Italian does not materialize. Alternatives on the list include names like Van de Ven, a defender from Tottenham, and Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund.
Barcelona Barcelona Andreas Christensen remains central to this story.
Barcelona Barcelona Andreas Christensen remains central to this story.
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