Alessandro Bastoni has made his decision. The 27-year-old is looking for an exit from Inter Milan in order to seal a move to Barcelona this summer. He has not vocalised his desires in the public but is ready to push for the move.
Report from Mundo Deportivo, state that the Italian defender is ready to push for the operation to get through once he receives the all clear from Deco and Flick.
The issue is Barcelona are making him wait, and the interest of Cristian Romero is making him sweat.
Why Bastoni is worried
The problem for both Bastoni and Inter Milan, is the possibility of the former falling on deaf ears, due to the emergence of Cristian Romero.
Both Bastoni and Inter are ready to start formal discussions about a transfer, however there is now mounting fear that Barcelona will favour the Argentinian.
The reason is simple as the value of Romero's transfer is significantly low.
Numbers at a glance
- Inter's price for Bastoni: 60-70 million
- Barcelona's max offer: 50 million
- Cristian Romero's release clause: 40-53 million
- Cristian Romero's market value: 60.5 million
Romero has a release clause in his Tottenham contract that reportedly allows him to join Barcelona for a fee of between £40m and £53m. It is a point which has been corroborated by his father. Should Tottenham get relegated this season, it makes the clause even more accessible for the Blaugrana.
What Bastoni will and won't do
Bastoni will consider any formal offer presented to him by the Catalan club, but he will not go against his beloved club in order to force an exit.
Bastoni holds far too much respect for the club to create further conflict beyond what has already been stated. The transfer will depend on whether Barcelona can match Inter Milan's valuation.
His offer to help reduce the fee can become instrumental to this deal. If Bastoni requests Inter in private, that he desires an exit, Inter will be forced to negotiate with Barcelona.
Barcelona's position in this
Barcelona has no doubt as to who they consider to be the ideal candidate for the central defender role. However, should Barcelona be provided with an opportunity to bring Cristian Romero into their ranks, they will go for him, especially if the price is low.
Barcelona are consciously waiting on how both options materialise, which ultimately makes both parties apprehensive.
This is a great leverage and Barcelona are in a good position to negotiate.
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