Inter president Marotta: ‘I won’t deny Barcelona want Bastoni’

Inter Milan president Beppe Marotta has addressed speculation linking Alessandro Bastoni with Barcelona, insisting the defender is content at the club despite concrete interest yet to materialise, as the Nerazzurri savour a third Scudetto title in five years.

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According to comments made by Marotta on Radio Anch’Io Sport, the president was candid about the situation surrounding the Italy international.

“He is a great talent,” Marotta said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“He was unlucky in certain episodes. Everyone had their eyes on him. He made that naive mistake against Juventus with the simulation, he was the first to admit it, but we protected him. He is a great champion. I won’t deny there is interest from Barcelona, but nothing concrete yet. A player leaves if he expresses the desire to go. At this moment he is happy to be with us and we are happy with him.”

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates after being confirmed as Serie A champions following victory in the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

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Marotta bullish on Inter’s Italian core ahead of title defence

Bastoni’s situation will dominate the summer agenda at Inter, but Marotta was equally forthcoming on broader ambitions.

On strengthening the squad’s Italian nucleus, he said: “Italy produces talent. We want to build a solid core of Italians, some are getting older so it is right to add more. For the Scudetto, you need a core who understands Italian football.”

Marotta also confirmed the Champions League remains a personal obsession.

“I have reached four finals and unfortunately lost them all,” he admitted. “It is something I still want to achieve, but next year we will try to improve in that competition.”

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