Barcelona set sights on Serie A defensive heavyweight with Deco meeting his agent

Even though the summer transfer window is some way away, FC Barcelona have already identified the centre-back position as one of their priority objectives.

The departure of Inigo Martinez has left a gaping hole in the defensive unit, which the Blaugrana intend to fill with a quality, left-footed centre-back.

Names such as Nico Schlotterbeck and Pau Torres have been mentioned as potential targets for the La Liga champions, with a new player now being linked as an option.

Alessandro Bastoni: The chosen one

Indeed, according to Matteo Moretto on Radio MARCA, Inter Milan defensive mainstay Alessandro Bastoni is the ‘chosen one’ at Barcelona to fill the centre-back gap.

The Catalan giants believe that the Italian international is the ideal fit for their project, given his defensive qualities as well as his ball-playing abilities that allow him to initiate attacks from the back.

Bastoni on Barcelona’s radars. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

The journalist goes as far as saying that Barcelona director Deco, who was in Milan a few weeks ago, held a meeting with Bastoni’s agent to explore the feasibility of a transfer.

One of the best defenders in Europe, Bastoni is also understood to be on the radars of other elite clubs heading into the summer.

At the same time, Inter Milan are eager to extend the contract of one of their most important players, with his current deal running until the summer of 2028.

However, as things stand, a move for Bastoni from Barcelona in the upcoming summer window seems difficult to pull off, given Inter Milan’s reluctance to sell as well as the fee he would command in case the Nerazzurri change their mind.

Moreover, Barça are also planning a big striker signing to replace Robert Lewandowski, which could limit their spending ability in the market next summer.