Inter Milan give firm response to Barcelona interest in Bastoni

The Serie A champions are not welcoming an approach.

Inter Milan give firm response to Barcelona interest in Bastoni

Inter Milan have made it clear they have no plans to sell centre-back Alessandro Bastoni amid reported interest from Barcelona.

Barca are said to have identified Bastoni as their preferred option as they look to add a centre-back to their ranks this summer.

But any approach for Bastoni appears likely to be resisted by Inter, who clinched a 21st Scudetto on Sunday with a 2-0 win over Parma.

“I’ll say it again: we want to keep Bastoni,” sporting director Piero Ausilio told QSVS.

“We are happy to have him. Inter certainly won’t be the ones calling anyone to offer him [for a transfer]. He’s a huge asset for Inter and for Italy and we want to hold on to him.

“I will reiterate: No call has come in for him and we certainly won’t be making any calls.”

Inter CEO: Barcelona interest superficial

Speaking to Radio Rai, CEO Beppe Marotta directly acknowledged the interest from Barca.

“I won’t deny there is interest from Barcelona, but it is still very superficial and not concrete,” he said.

“As we’ve always said, a player leaves only if he expresses the desire to go. At the moment, he is our player, he wants to stay and we are happy with him.”