Barcelona is pursuing a deal for Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni and hopes to include 19-year-old full-back Héctor Fort as part of the negotiations.
Why it matters: Strengthening their backline is a priority for Barcelona as they prepare for the summer transfer window. Bastoni's addition could significantly bolster their defensive lineup.
Barcelona currently leads La Liga by 9 points over Real Madrid, but they have been eliminated from both the UEFA Champions League and Copa del Rey this season.
With their domestic dominance established, the club is now focused on enhancing their squad for the next campaign.
Driving the news: Barcelona has identified Bastoni as their primary target for the summer transfer window. They aim to finalize a deal before the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Inter Milan values Bastoni at €60 million, complicating the negotiations for Barcelona, which hopes to initiate talks around €50 million.
Barcelona has received permission from Inter to negotiate with Bastoni, who has signaled his willingness to move to the Catalan club.
State of play: The negotiations for Bastoni are expected to be challenging due to Inter's valuation and the current market conditions.
Bastoni, 27, has two years remaining on his contract with Inter, adding leverage to the Italian club's negotiating position.
Barcelona is exploring creative strategies to lower the transfer fee, including the potential inclusion of Héctor Fort.
The big picture: Barcelona's strategy reflects their urgency to revamp their defense after conceding goals in their last 15 Champions League matches.
In the last two Champions League campaigns, Barcelona has conceded a staggering 44 goals, highlighting the need for a solid defensive reinforcement.
Adding Bastoni, who has performed well this season, could address these defensive vulnerabilities.
What they're saying: The inclusion of Fort in the deal is seen as a strategic move by Barcelona to balance their financial constraints.
"Including a promising academy player like Fort could be one route to secure Bastoni," a source within the club stated.
Fort, currently on loan at Elche, has been sidelined since January due to a shoulder injury but previously scored two goals and provided two assists in 12 appearances this season.
By the numbers: The financial aspects of the deal are a focal point in negotiations between Barcelona and Inter.
Inter's valuation of Bastoni ranges from €60 to €80 million, depending on various reports, making the discussions complex.
Fort's recent injury has kept him out of action for four months, which may impact his value as a bargaining chip.
Between the lines: Barcelona’s strategy may hinge on how Inter values young talent in their squad planning.
Fort's potential inclusion is indicative of Barcelona's willingness to invest in future talent even as they seek immediate reinforcements.
It remains uncertain if Fort's profile will be sufficient for Inter to lower their demands for Bastoni.
What's next: As the summer transfer window approaches, Barcelona’s management is likely to intensify negotiations with Inter.
Barcelona aims to finalize a deal for Bastoni before the World Cup, as they seek to avoid any complications that might arise from international competitions.
Monitoring Fort's recovery from injury will also be key for Barcelona, as they assess his readiness to be included in the deal.