FC Barcelona have big ambitions for the summer transfer window, but Arsenal could prevent the Catalan club from achieving their main objectives.
While a young Belgian winger is being tracked by Barca, Hansi Flick's side appear to be focusing more on their defence for next summer. A full-back with 13 assists – Julian Ryerson – is notably being monitored to compete with Jules Kounde, as well as a centre-back.
Having previously been interested in Nico Schlotterbeck (Dortmund), FC Barcelona have moved away from that option, according to Sport, to focus on 2 other players: Micky van de Ven (Tottenham) and Alessandro Bastoni (Inter).
Arsenal competing with Barca
And, according to Calciomercato, Arsenal want to sign the 26-year-old Italian next summer. The defender, who made headlines on Saturday for his involvement in Pierre Kalulu's controversial red card (Juventus), will not be easy to prise away from Inter Milan, given his contract runs until June 2028.
Targeted by Barcelona and Arsenal, Alessandro Bastoni is also being closely monitored by Liverpool. But a transfer looks complex: the Serie A leaders are expected to demand a significant fee for the 41-cap international, reportedly around £84.7m (€100m), if not more.
Bastoni at Inter, Barca or Arsenal next summer?
Barcelona's central defence appears fragile, which justifies their interest in the Italian. That is less the case at Arsenal, where Gabriel and William Saliba appear immovable and far ahead of the competition from Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie. Will the Gunners therefore have an urgent need to spend a hefty sum on Alessandro Bastoni?
And, for their part, will FC Barcelona have the means to convince Inter to part with one of their key players? The answers to these questions, and to Alessandro Bastoni's future, will be revealed during the summer 2026 transfer window.
