With the summer transfer window just around the corner, one of Barcelona’s key priorities is to shore up their ranks in the defensive unit. The club are ideally looking for a long-term replacement for Inigo Martinez.
Alessandro Bastoni has emerged as the top target, with the club even reportedly having an agreement over personal terms. But negotiations with Inter Milan are proving to be difficult.
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That is why Barcelona are looking at other options as well in their quest to find a reliable defensive partner for Pau Cubarsi.
Inacio on Barcelona’s radar
According to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t ESPN), Barcelona are among a host of clubs monitoring Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio ahead of the summer window.
The 24-year-old has been one of the standout defenders in European football this season, making 42 appearances for Sporting and cementing his place as a key figure for the Portuguese club.
Goncalo Inacio has emerged as a potential defensive target for Barcelona. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
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He is also expected to feature prominently for Portugal at this summer’s World Cup.
Sporting are prepared to let him leave, with his €60 million release clause making him an accessible option for Europe’s top clubs.
Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea are also said to be monitoring his situation, meaning Barcelona face significant competition should they decide to firm up their interest.
For Barcelona, Inacio represents an attractive profile. He is left-footed, experienced and still young enough to develop further under Hansi Flick.
Whether he emerges as a genuine alternative to Bastoni or simply remains a name on a longer list will depend largely on how negotiations with Inter Milan progress in the coming weeks.
