Barcelona hierarchy identifies €80m-rated Serie A heavyweight as a priority target for 2026

FC Barcelona are not expected to make any significant signings before the current transfer window shuts in less than two weeks.

Even so, preparations are already underway for next year. One of the main priorities for the Blaugrana in 2026 will be to recruit a long-term successor for Robert Lewandowski, whose deal runs out at the end of the season.

At the same time, the Catalans also intend to secure a top-class centre-back to partner Pau Cubarsi for the future.

Alessandro Bastoni identified as a prime target

According to Fichajes, Barcelona are lining up a move for Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni in the summer of 2026.

President Joan Laporta, sporting director Deco, and head coach Hansi Flick are all aligned in believing that the Italian centre-back perfectly matches the profile they want following Inigo Martinez’s exit to Al Nassr.

At 26, Bastoni has proven himself as one of Europe’s leading defenders. He boasts two Serie A championships and has appeared in two Champions League finals with the Nerazzurri, demonstrating his consistency at the highest level.

Being a left-footed centre-back makes him particularly appealing to Barcelona, as the club values a defender with elite ball-playing skills to complement Cubarsi in the years to come.

Inter Milan are reluctant to part with Bastoni, having already dismissed a €50 million proposal from Chelsea this summer. Still, by 2026 the defender will be entering the final two years of his contract, which could present Barcelona with an opening.

Barcelona will need sales before moving for Bastoni

To pursue Bastoni, Barça first intend to free up space in the squad. Ronald Araujo has been mentioned as a potential exit should he fail to cement himself as an untouchable starter this season.

The sporting department’s strategy is clear: generate a sizeable transfer fee from a centre-back sale and channel part of those funds into signing the Inter Milan star.

Barcelona have already conveyed to Bastoni’s representatives that he is a priority signing for 2026, though Inter Milan will make efforts to secure his renewal.