Barcelona is actively pursuing a central defender to bolster their backline, but clarity on the ideal candidate remains elusive. Alessandro Bastoni of Inter is the top target identified by Director of Football Deco, with the Italian defender reportedly giving a positive response to the potential deal. However, manager Hansi Flick has yet to approve the move, as discussions are expected to take place after securing the La Liga title.

In addition to Bastoni, Pini Zahavi is holding talks with Barcelona regarding Luka Vuskovic, a 19-year-old defender currently on loan at Hamburg from Tottenham Hotspur. Sky Sport DE’s Florian Plettenberg indicates that Tottenham is eager to retain Vuskovic, planning a significant salary increase to keep him. Nevertheless, Zahavi’s connections with Barcelona could influence negotiations as the market remains competitive with interest from top clubs.

Furthermore, Barcelona continues to monitor Nathan Ake of Manchester City. The Dutch defender emerged as a potential option during the January transfer window, but Joan Laporta, the club's president, opted to pursue Joao Cancelo instead. Ake, who has only one year left on his contract, meets several criteria for Deco, including versatility and top-level experience. However, the feasibility of a deal that satisfies both salary and transfer fee expectations remains uncertain, particularly as City is not inclined to sell cheaply.