Barça are preparing for life after Araújo: Alessandro Bastoni identified as the perfect successor.

FC Barcelona are already preparing for the potential departure of their defensive stalwart Ronald Araújo. While the Uruguayan center-back remains a crucial element of Hansi Flick’s lineup, the club is well aware that unexpected transfer dynamics could alter his future at Camp Nou this summer.

Reports have surfaced suggesting that Barcelona have identified Alessandro Bastoni as their number one target should Araújo decide to move on. The Inter Milan defender, known for his defensive prowess and modern tactical vision, fits the profile that Barcelona are looking for. The decision to target Bastoni has been made with the approval of sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick, emphasizing the club’s commitment to maintaining defensive solidity even in Araújo’s potential absence.

Bastoni, who has established himself as a defensive leader at Inter, embodies the qualities that Barcelona admire. His powerful defensive presence, leadership abilities, and ability to orchestrate play from the back make him an ideal candidate to succeed Araújo. Additionally, his modern tactical vision aligns seamlessly with the Blaugrana philosophy, which values technical proficiency and adaptability in defenders.

However, signing Bastoni is far from straightforward. The Italian international is under contract with Inter Milan until 2028, and the Serie A giants have no intention of making his departure easy. Inter have made it clear that Bastoni is a key figure in their project, and prying him away would require a significant financial investment from Barcelona.

For Barcelona, the only realistic scenario in which they could pursue Bastoni would be if Araújo were to leave for a considerable transfer fee. This would provide the financial leverage needed to negotiate with Inter and meet their valuation of the Italian defender. As it stands, Barcelona are not actively looking to sell Araújo, but they remain pragmatic about the unpredictable nature of the transfer market.

The potential interest in Bastoni also underlines Barcelona’s commitment to maintaining a world-class defense. Flick’s strategy has consistently involved blending youth and experience while prioritizing players with leadership qualities and tactical intelligence. Bastoni’s credentials make him an appealing option should Araújo’s tenure come to an end.

Despite the speculation, Araújo remains firmly rooted in Barcelona’s defensive setup, and his departure is far from certain. The club is determined to keep him as one of their central pillars. Nevertheless, the awareness of a potential contingency plan showcases the proactive nature of the current sporting leadership.

Barcelona fans have expressed mixed feelings about the potential departure of Araújo, but the emergence of Bastoni as a prime target has sparked both optimism and debate. Some believe that investing in a player of Bastoni’s caliber would demonstrate the club’s ambition, while others feel Araújo’s leadership and loyalty make him irreplaceable.

Ultimately, the coming months will be crucial in determining the direction of Barcelona’s defensive structure. Whether Araújo stays or moves on, the club is already positioning itself to ensure that the backline remains resilient, balanced, and forward-thinking. The pursuit of Bastoni is a clear indication that Barcelona are not willing to compromise on quality, even if it means navigating complex negotiations with Inter.

As the summer window approaches, both Araújo’s future and Bastoni’s potential move to Camp Nou will be closely monitored. For now, Barcelona remain focused on keeping their squad intact while preparing for any scenario that might unfold.