Inter President Marotta Confirms Bastoni Will Remain at Club

Inter Milan's president Giuseppe Marotta has rejected speculation about Alessandro Bastoni moving to Barcelona, affirming the defender's integral position within the club's long-term plans. Marotta stated that Bastoni has not expressed any intention to leave and remains committed to Inter.

During an interview with DAZN, Marotta addressed the rumors linking Bastoni to Barcelona, emphasizing that Inter has no plans to sell their top players unless the players themselves request a transfer. He said, "We're not sellers on principle. If a player leaves, it's because he's also expressed his desire to leave. Bastoni has absolutely not expressed his desire to leave. He's happy to stay here with us, so we don't need to sell him. I think he'll stay with us for a long time."

Bastoni is regarded as a foundational member of the squad that secured the Serie A title. Marotta underscored the importance of maintaining a stable core of experienced players to sustain success domestically and in European competitions. He identified Barella, Bastoni, and Lautaro as central figures who have established this core, which new players then join upon arrival. Marotta explained, "It's important to instil a culture of winning even to new arrivals who perhaps don't have such significant experience."

In addition to the playing staff, Marotta confirmed plans to extend head coach Cristian Chivu's contract. Following Chivu's achievements in his first season, including winning the Scudetto and Coppa Italia, the club intends to offer him a long-term deal as part of their institutional development. Marotta described the renewal as "a formality" and stated, "He has a contract, and we'll extend it because it's right to do so. He's proven not only to be up to the task, but also to be one of the emerging coaches on the national scene."

While prioritizing the retention of key players, Inter is also active in the transfer market to strengthen squad depth. Speculation continues about potential signings such as Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel, who would provide competition for Josep Martinez, and Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones. Additionally, Inter is reportedly close to finalizing a €23 million deal for Club Brugge's Aleksandar Stankovic.