Manchester City is competing with Barcelona to sign Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan, as the Italian defender is reportedly a priority for the Catalan club. This pursuit comes after injuries to key players, highlighting City's defensive depth issues.
Manchester City in race with Barcelona for Alessandro Bastoni – La Liga club identify in Etihad star as Plan B
Manchester City have reportedly found themselves in a race with Barcelona to sign Inter’s coveted centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, according to Spanish claims.
Pep Guardiola’s side have not made any advancements to lure the Italy international to the Etihad Stadium, but his signature could be the solution to an ongoing lack of depth in defence.
Josko Gvardiol suffered a broken leg against Chelsea in January and a concrete return before the end of the season is yet to transpire, while John Stones is expected to leave after also struggling with injuries and a subsequent lack of game time over recent seasons.
Both clubs are seeking to strengthen their defense, with Bastoni seen as a key target following injuries to Manchester City's Josko Gvardiol.
Alessandro Bastoni is currently a player for Inter Milan and has been identified as a priority target for Barcelona.
Gvardiol's injury has intensified Manchester City's need for defensive reinforcements, making the signing of Bastoni more critical.
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With that being said, City signed Marc Guehi in January and may look to recall Vitor Reis in the summer to find regular game time, while Ruben Dias is also expected to return soon after picking up an ankle injury in training.
To fill the gaps, Hugo Viana – Manchester City’s sporting director – could enter further negotiations with Alessandro Bastoni and his agent, but the defender already has eyes on him in La Liga.
As reported by Mundo Deportivo, translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Barcelona have a firm desire to sign Alessandro Bastoni and the 27-year-old is also keen on a switch to Camp Nou if he leaves Inter.
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The Serie A side want at least €70 million for Bastoni and while Hansi Flick’s side have set a threshold of around €60 million, they will not rule out including some of their own players into a deal.
Reaching an agreement may be an obstacle for the Spanish giants, especially considering the gap in valuation, which could give City the chance to push for the Italian’s signature having wanted him last summer.
Reports in Spain indicate that Hugo Viana will not hesitate to offer the full €70 million for the player, while there could be competition within the Premier League as Liverpool keep an eye on the defender.
However, Barcelona are reported to be Alessandro Bastoni’s priority and he is expected to work closely with Inter to make such a deal happen, potentially willing to take a pay cut to join Hansi Flick’s troupe.
If Barcelona miss out on Alessandro Bastoni, it is suggested they could consider a move for Manchester City’s Nathan Ake, who could yet leave the Etihad Stadium as part of a defensive shake-up this summer.
Within the Etihad Stadium, and perhaps aside from the potential signing of Alessandro Bastoni, the more likely scenario is for Vitor Reis to return to the club following an impressive season-long loan at Girona.
The Brazil international joined City in a big-money agreement from Palmeiras 18 months ago, and seems poised to make a senior step up to consistent involvement at the Etihad Stadium starting from the 2026/27 season.
Eyes could yet be placed on recruiting at right-back too, with a younger more traditional option being eyed to work in conjunction with Matheus Nunes, who has significantly impressed this campaign.