Inter Milan has closed the door on any potential departure for Alessandro Bastoni, with president Giuseppe Marotta publicly declaring the Italian defender untouchable despite criticism he has faced during the 2025-26 season.
The 26-year-old centre-back, whose contract runs through June 2028, will remain at San Siro for at least another campaign, forming the backbone of Inter's defensive core. Marotta's emphatic statement comes amid persistent transfer rumors linking Bastoni to Barcelona and Real Madrid, with his market value hovering around €70-80M.
Why This Matters
• Contract stability: Bastoni is locked in until 2028, with Inter reportedly preparing talks for an extension through 2030.
• Transfer market impact: Inter's refusal to sell affects summer defensive strategies across Europe, particularly for Barcelona, which has shown long-standing interest.
• Leadership continuity: Bastoni remains a key defensive figure for Inter and the Italian national team despite recent scrutiny.
• Club commitment: Inter's resolute stance demonstrates the club's confidence in their defensive core.
The President's Defense
Speaking to DAZN, Marotta pushed back forcefully against what he characterized as excessive criticism of Bastoni throughout the season. "Fans can sleep peacefully regarding Bastoni's future," the president stated. "Inter is not a club that wants to sell. If a player leaves, it's because he asks to, and Bastoni has not expressed any desire to go. He's happy here, so we have no need to sell him."
Marotta went further, condemning the media treatment of his player as disproportionate. "The media emphasis today is incredible," he said. "He's a great player and an excellent person. What did he commit? Nothing serious. He is a patrimony of Inter and Italian football. He wears the Azzurri shirt with dignity and is part of our solid core."
The president's strong language reflects the intensity of criticism Bastoni has faced during the season. Rather than dwelling on specific incidents, Marotta's comments suggest the defender has endured excessive scrutiny relative to his actual mistakes.
A Season of Solid Performances
At club level, Bastoni delivered consistent performances throughout 2025-26 under coach Simone Inzaghi. Despite the media noise surrounding him, the defender has maintained his role as a cornerstone of Inter's defense, contributing to the club's domestic success this season.
His presence on the pitch has been significant for Inter's overall defensive organization and tactical coherence. Marotta emphasized that Bastoni's experience and leadership qualities remain essential to the team's project moving forward.
Inter's Defensive Rebuild Plans
Beyond Bastoni's future, Marotta revealed other significant details about Inter's direction. With Inter having secured the Serie A and Coppa Italia double this past season, the president is setting his sights on European glory.
Inter's defensive rebuild is underway regardless, with veterans Francesco Acerbi, Matteo Darmian, and Stefan de Vrij expected to depart as free agents. The club has been linked with alternatives including Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal), Tarik Muharemović (Sassuolo), Gianluca Mancini (Roma), and Mario Gila (Lazio), signaling significant summer activity even without Bastoni's departure.
Looking Ahead: Europe's Challenge
"The Champions League remains a dream because I respect our opponents," Marotta said. "We want to reach the final for the third time. I really hope the players will give me this trophy after 4 lost finals. I hope so much to lift it before retirement."
For the upcoming 2026-27 campaign, Marotta emphasized that achieving something in Europe is the primary objective. He also disclosed personal plans: "When I leave Inter, I intend to stay in football but in a technical role."
What This Means for Residents
For Italian football followers, Bastoni's confirmed stay provides defensive continuity at a club aiming to dominate both domestically and in Europe. His annual net salary sits at approximately €5.5M, reflecting his status as one of Serie A's elite defenders.
The defender's commitment to Inter, coupled with the club's refusal to entertain offers below €70M, effectively removes him from this summer's transfer market. Barcelona's long-term interest appears unlikely to materialize given financial constraints and Inter's firm stance.
Bastoni's retention ensures the tactical familiarity and leadership that Marotta considers essential for challenging Europe's elite. With contract extension talks potentially on the horizon, the Italian international's future appears firmly anchored in Milan.
