Bastoni, 26, is Hansi Flick's first choice to solve a left-sided centre-back problem that has plagued Barca all season. The Italy international has given the green light to a move to Catalonia and Inter have granted Barcelona permission to negotiate directly with the player.
The sticking point is price — Barca have tabled an opening offer of around €45 million, while Inter are holding firm at €60–70 million for a defender whose contract runs until 2028.
With those talks unresolved, sporting director Deco has revived interest in Lucumí, a player Barca tried to sign last summer. The 27-year-old Colombian international has made 145 appearances for Bologna since an €8 million move from Genk, establishing himself as a reliable Serie A operator with Champions League experience. With his contract expiring in 2027 and no renewal agreed, Bologna are ready to sell for around €25 million this summer — a fraction of what Inter are demanding for Bastoni.
Lucumí is not short of suitors. Premier League clubs Bournemouth and Sunderland are monitoring him, as are Turkish sides Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray, though Barcelona are considered the front-runners if they choose to move.
The picture is clear: Bastoni is the dream, Lucumí is the plan B. Barca want to avoid a drawn-out saga and Deco is ready to pivot quickly if Inter refuse to budge.