Report: Inter reject opening Barcelona bid for Bastoni

Barcelona have made their first formal move for Alessandro Bastoni, submitting an opening offer of €45 million for the Inter defender, a figure the Nerazzurri have rejected as well below their valuation.

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According to Sportmediaset, Inter are holding firm at a minimum of €60 million for Bastoni, whom the club consider a top-level defender regardless of the turbulent two months he has endured, from the controversial incident in the Derby d’Italia through to his red card during Italy’s World Cup playoff defeat to Bosnia in Zenica.

Crucially, this marks the first time Bastoni himself has shown a willingness to listen to an offer.

A previous approach from Chelsea was swiftly rejected by both player and club, but Barcelona’s interest appears to carry genuine appeal.

Barcelona prepare lucrative salary for Inter man Bastoni

The Catalan club are prepared to offer Bastoni a salary of €7 million per season, a significant step up from his current €5 million net at Inter, and the prospect of a new challenge at a club with similar ambitions to his current employers.

Despite the gap between the two clubs’ valuations, Sportmediaset reports that negotiations are continuing, with the conversation now formally open for the first time.

Inter will need to decide whether to stand firm at €60 million or show any flexibility, while Barcelona, well aware of their financial constraints, will need to significantly improve on their opening position if they are to have any realistic chance of securing one of European football’s most coveted defenders.