Inter Milan Send Transfer Warning to Barcelona Over Alessandro Bastoni Amid Growing Interest in Italian
Ben McAleer
Inter Milan have moved to warn La Liga giants Barcelona from making a move for star centre-back Alessandro Bastoni.
The Italian has endured a tumultuous 2026 so far, with the centre-back widely criticised following his role in Pierre Kalulu’s Derby d’Italia dismissal in February.
In addition, the Nerazzurri defender was also at fault during Italy’s World Cup playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in March, receiving his marching orders in the first half of their eventual penalty shootout loss.
Bastoni was urged by Inter legend Giuseppe Bergomi to leave Italy following the fall out of the Kalulu red card and his own Azzurri issues.
Barcelona set to be disappointed in Bastoni pursuit
Barcelona have been heavily linked with Bastoni and the Blaugrana were expected to firm up their interest in the Inter star later this year.
However, Barcelona have been warned off making a move for Bastoni following their title triumph on Sunday.
Inter won the Scudetto having claimed a 2-0 win over Parma, going one step further after finishing second to Napoli 12 months ago.
And Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio insists that Bastoni isn’t for sale, while adding that there has been no official contact with Barcelona over a potential transfer.
Inter 'want to keep Bastoni'
“I'll say it again: we want to keep Bastoni,” Ausilio told QSVS following Inter’s Scudetto success.
“We are happy to have him. Inter certainly won't be the ones calling anyone to offer him [for a transfer]. He's a huge asset for Inter and for Italy and we want to hold on to him.
“I will reiterate: No call has come in for him and we certainly won't be making any calls.”
Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta acknowledged that there are a number of European sides keeping tabs on Bastoni, but echoed Ausilio’s comments that the 27-year-old is not for sale.
“I won't deny there is interest from Barcelona, but it is still very superficial and not concrete,” Marotta told Radio Rai.
“As we've always said, a player leaves only if he expresses the desire to go. At the moment, he is our player, he wants to stay and we are happy with him.”
Liverpool were also monitoring Inter star
Liverpool are another team that have been keeping tabs on Bastoni as they consider their centre-back options this summer.
The Reds have already signed Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes, the Frenchman arriving in the summer, but they remain in the market for another defender.
