Headline:
Inter Milan President Confirms Alessandro Bastoni Will Not Leave Amid Barcelona Interest
Body:
Barcelona has encountered a significant hurdle in their efforts to sign Alessandro Bastoni, as Inter Milan’s president Giuseppe Marotta has put an end to any speculation regarding the defender’s potential departure.
The Blaugrana are actively exploring options to bolster their defensive lineup, particularly focusing on central defense. Although several players have surfaced as possible targets, including Lisandro Martinez from Manchester United and Natan of Real Betis, Bastoni remains the top choice on Deco’s shortlist.
Previously, Barcelona had looked into acquiring the 27-year-old during the summer transfer window, but the move was ultimately halted by Hansi Flick. However, following recent injuries in their defense and concerns about certain performances, Bastoni has come back into focus for Can Barça.
Marotta shuts the door
Nevertheless, Marotta has dismissed any notions of Bastoni leaving, particularly denying rumors about the Italian international rejecting a contract offer and engaging in negotiations with Barcelona.
“Everything that has been said about Bastoni’s alleged refusal to renew his contract and the negotiations with Barcelona is completely false,” Marotta stated in an interview with 365Scores, as reported by SPORT.
He added further, “We always aim to keep Bastoni in the team and protect him from the temptations of other clubs, as he is one of the cornerstones of our project.” With this statement, Marotta made it evident that, from Inter’s perspective, Bastoni is not leaving anytime soon.
Blow for Barcelona
As noted, Bastoni had become Barcelona’s primary target to enhance their defense ahead of the upcoming January transfer window. The 27-year-old is considered a good fit for Flick’s tactical system, as his age and high-level experience make him an appealing candidate.
Reports had also suggested that he might be willing to join Barcelona, raising optimism among the club’s supporters. However, Marotta has firmly closed the door on any possible transfer at this point. For a change in this scenario to occur, Bastoni would likely need to request a transfer from Inter, and Barcelona would have to offer a substantial transfer fee.
