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Barcelona has paused its pursuit of defender Alessandro Bastoni to prioritize signing a striker. This shift has led to growing frustration in Italy over the lack of progress in the transfer negotiations.
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Barcelona press pause on key defensive target’s pursuit to prioritise striker signing
Barcelona’s pursuit of Alessandro Bastoni is entering a tense phase as uncertainty continues surrounding the next steps of the operation.
The Inter Milan defender remains one of Barcelona’s preferred targets to strengthen the back line, but fresh reports from SPORT suggest frustration is beginning to grow in Italy because of the lack of concrete movement from the Catalan side.
While Barcelona have not abandoned the idea of signing Bastoni, the club has temporarily shifted focus towards reinforcing the attack first and that delay is now creating nervousness around the situation.
As such, both Inter and the player expected Barcelona to formally advance negotiations this week through an official proposal.
Bastaoni and Inter are getting tired of waiting for Barcelona. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Barcelona has shifted its focus to signing a striker first, leading to a temporary pause in the pursuit of Bastoni.
Prioritizing a striker may delay strengthening the defense, causing frustration among fans and stakeholders regarding the transfer strategy.
The transfer status remains uncertain as Barcelona has not abandoned the idea of signing Bastoni but is currently focused on other priorities.
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However, no offer has yet arrived, leaving the Italian side increasingly eager for clarity.
Barcelona, on their part, have already communicated their interest clearly to Bastoni’s camp and are said to have outlined the structure of a possible five-year agreement with the defender.
From the player’s side, there continues to be a strong willingness to complete the move. Still, the decisive stage, negotiations between clubs, has not properly begun.
The Catalan side is aware that any major defensive investment must fit carefully within their financial structure, especially with striker recruitment currently taking priority internally.
Reports in Italy even suggest Inter are looking for a transfer package close to €60 million, although Barcelona do not view that figure as realistic under their current conditions.
Barcelona have paused the Bastoni operation. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)
Instead, Barça are believed to be exploring formulas involving player exchanges in order to reduce the overall cost of the operation.
Barcelona’s handling of the Bastoni situation could backfire for the Blaugrana at any given point.
On one hand, the club see the Italian international as an ideal long-term addition. At the same time, however, Barcelona cannot afford to rush into expensive operations without first resolving other priorities.
The striker position currently dominates the planning following Robert Lewandowski’s departure, meaning defensive reinforcements have temporarily moved lower in the order of urgency.