FC Barcelona is actively working to strengthen their defensive line, with Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni emerging as a top target. The Catalan giants are on a mission to find the perfect partner for rising star Pau Cubarsi, and the Italian international fits the bill like a glove—a left-footed center-back with exceptional ball-playing skills from the back.

However, the road to securing Bastoni's signature is proving to be a tough one. According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Inter Milan has set a hefty €70 million price tag on the 25-year-old defender—a figure that's giving Barcelona some serious sticker shock. The Blaugrana are hoping to negotiate a deal closer to €45-50 million, but Inter isn't budging, at least not yet.

Here's the catch: Bastoni himself is playing the waiting game, holding out for Barcelona to make a formal offer before he even considers requesting a move away from the San Siro. Romano notes that while Inter might eventually soften their stance, the early summer window is not the time for discounts. The Italian champions are sticking to their guns, leaving Barcelona with a strategic choice: either bide their time and hope Inter's resolve weakens, or shift their focus to alternative targets.

Speaking of alternatives, Barcelona has been scouting the Serie A market, with AS Roma's Evan Ndicka on their radar. The former Eintracht Frankfurt star offers a different profile but could be a viable backup plan. Meanwhile, rumors have linked the Blaugrana with Real Sociedad's Jon Martin, though the Spaniard has recently poured cold water on those rumors, confirming he's not looking to leave his current club anytime soon.

As the summer transfer window heats up, all eyes are on this defensive drama. Will Barcelona dig deep into their pockets, or will they pivot to a new plan? One thing's for sure—the chase for Bastoni is far from over.