Inter Milan is reportedly firm on its €70 million valuation for star defender Alessandro Bastoni, making it unlikely they will accept any lower offers. The 27-year-old Italian international is a crucial player for the Nerazzurri and is considered one of their most valuable assets. The club is anticipating a significant defensive overhaul this summer, with veteran defenders Francesco Acerbi, Stefan de Vrij, and Matteo Darmian set to depart as their contracts expire. Denzel Dumfries is also rumored to be heading for an exit.
While Barcelona has been strongly linked with Bastoni, their ongoing financial difficulties make it improbable they can meet Inter’s €70 million asking price. Inter holds a strong negotiating position, as Bastoni has two years remaining on his contract, which reportedly earns him €10.19 million annually and includes no release clause. Furthermore, the player himself has shown no inclination to force a move, further bolstering Inter’s stance.
Inter’s sporting director, Piero Ausilio, has explicitly stated the club’s position: “Bastoni has a contract with Inter, and to date, there is nothing to suggest his future lies elsewhere. I’m unaware of what’s being said about him in Spain; I only know that we are delighted with Alessandro, with what he has contributed to this club, and I am confident he will continue to give us much more. If there is interest in him, they know which numbers to call. They know exactly what to do; they don’t need to talk.”
Speculation about player-swap deals has surfaced as a potential avenue for Barcelona to meet Inter’s valuation, with young talents like Héctor Fort and Gerard Martín mentioned as possible candidates. Additionally, reports from SPORT suggest Inter is also considering young Barcelona goalkeeper Áron Yaakobishvili as a long-term successor to the aging Yann Sommer.
