Key Takeaways
- Barcelona view Alessandro Bastoni as their main defensive target but have identified Cristian Romero as a possible replacement.
- Inter Milan fear losing their Italian centre-back and have started planning for his possible exit.
- The next seven days will prove critical in deciding which defender joins the Catalan club.
Barcelona are weighing up their options in the transfer market as they look to strengthen their back line. The Spanish side originally set their sights on Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan. However, fresh reports suggest they are also monitoring Cristian Romero at Tottenham Hotspur.
Sources from Spain indicate that Romero could offer a less expensive route for the Catalan giants. This news has created tension between Barcelona and Inter. The Italian club had hoped to begin formal talks this week. Now they face uncertainty about whether the deal will proceed.
Inter officials are not taking any chances. They are working on the basis that Bastoni will leave the San Siro this summer. The club has already started working on a plan to find his replacement.
The 25-year-old Italian defender is keen to make the switch to La Liga. He will not make a public fuss about the transfer. However, behind closed doors, he is ready to tell Inter that he wants to join Barcelona.
Money will not block this deal. Barcelona can offer Bastoni a better wage than he currently earns at Inter. Despite this, the Spanish club are keeping their options open. Romero remains on their shortlist and would welcome a move to Camp Nou.
Inter must sell players this summer. With Romero available as an alternative, Barcelona hold a strong position in negotiations. The coming week could decide whether Bastoni heads to Spain or stays in Milan.