Alessandro Bastoni (foto: Getty Images)
Inter Milan has set a €70 million price tag for Alessandro Bastoni, leaving Barcelona facing a difficult battle to sign the Italian defender.
Inter Milan are refusing to lower their demands for Alessandro Bastoni, with the Italian club reportedly insisting on a fee of at least €70 million.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Inter are only prepared to seriously discuss a transfer if the defender personally pushes for a move away from the club.
So far, that has not happened.
Reports suggest that Bastoni would be open to joining Barcelona, but there has been no major pressure from the player on the Serie A side.
The situation creates a major obstacle for Barcelona, who view the Italian international as one of their priority targets in defense.
The Catalan giants continue to work under strict financial limitations and remain under pressure to balance spending with financial fair play regulations.
Without significant player sales or new income, a deal worth €70 million would be extremely difficult to complete.
Because of that, Barcelona are already studying alternative solutions for the position.
Among the names linked with the club are Jon Martin from Real Sociedad and Cristian Romero from Tottenham, both viewed as potential alternatives if the pursuit of Bastoni becomes impossible.
Inter, meanwhile, remain calm. The club sees Bastoni as one of the leaders of their long-term project and is in no rush to negotiate under pressure.