Barcelona are making a major defensive move this summer, targeting Inter Milan's star center-back Alessandro Bastoni as their top priority to shore up their backline. The Catalan giants are eager to wrap up a deal for the 27-year-old Italian international swiftly, aiming to finalize terms before the upcoming World Cup.

While Bastoni himself has reportedly given Barcelona the green light, and Inter have permitted discussions, reaching a financial agreement with the Italian club presents a significant hurdle. Barcelona are expected to open negotiations around €50 million, but Inter's valuation sits considerably higher, believed to be between €60-80 million for a defender with two years remaining on his contract.

In a classic Barcelona maneuver to navigate their financial constraints, the club is looking to leverage their famed La Masia academy. Reports indicate they hope to include promising 19-year-old right-back Hector Fort in the deal to help lower the cash outlay. Fort, who impressed on loan at Elche before a shoulder injury, represents the kind of talented youth asset that often sweetens high-profile transfers.

This isn't the only player-swap scenario on the table. Inter have previously shown interest in Barcelona attackers Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres. While a move for Olmo seems improbable so soon after his arrival, Torres—entering the final year of his contract—could emerge as a more viable bargaining chip as Barcelona work creatively to land their primary defensive target.