Marotta plays down Barcelona interest in Alessandro Bastoni as talks stall over valuation

Marotta: Barcelona interest 'superficial and not very concrete'

Inter Milan president Giuseppe Marotta has downplayed reported Barcelona interest in centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, calling the approach "superficial and not very concrete." Marotta made the comments in remarks carried by Radio Anch'Io Sport, saying Bastoni remains an Inter player who wants to stay — comments that underline the current stand-off between the two clubs over valuation as the 2026 summer window approaches.

Why the deal is stalling

According to the report, Inter value Bastoni at around €70 million while Barcelona are reportedly prepared to offer roughly €50 million. That sizable gap in valuation is presented as the main obstacle to any deal. Marotta reiterated Inter's position that a player typically leaves only if he asks to go, and said Bastoni currently wants to remain at the club.

The story also notes that Bastoni has been linked with leaving Serie A after defensive errors in Italy's 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, but that he remains one of Inter's established starters and a leader in the dressing room after more than four years as an undisputed starter.

Barcelona alternatives as Bastoni pursuit cools

With Bastoni still firmly an Inter player in Marotta's telling, Barcelona have reportedly identified alternatives as they seek a left-footed centre-back. Gianluca Di Marzio is cited as saying Evan Ndicka of AS Roma is on Barcelona's shortlist and could cost around €40 million. Diario Sport is named as reporting that Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur is another target, with a possible valuation in the €50–60 million range under certain circumstances.

• Giuseppe Marotta described Barcelona's interest in Alessandro Bastoni as "superficial and not very concrete" (via Radio Anch'Io Sport).
• Inter are reportedly asking about €70 million for Bastoni; Barcelona are said to be offering close to €50 million.
• Bastoni remains an Inter starter and dressing-room leader after more than four years in the team.
• Barcelona have reportedly eyed Evan Ndicka (AS Roma) and Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur) as alternatives.

Context and implications

If the valuation gap holds, Barcelona face a choice: increase their bid to meet Inter's demand for Bastoni or accelerate plans to pivot to alternatives such as Ndicka or Romero. For Inter, keeping Bastoni would preserve a left-footed central defender who is described as important to the club's build-up play and leadership group. The report frames the negotiation as unresolved, with transfer-market arithmetic — rather than a player request to leave — the decisive factor for now.

What happens next

According to the source, Barcelona could continue to pursue Bastoni but will likely need to bridge the reported €20 million valuation gap or focus on alternative targets. Further clarity will depend on official approaches from clubs, any statement from Bastoni about his intentions, or confirmation of formal bids from Barcelona — none of which the source says has yet occurred.