Barcelona is preparing for the summer transfer window with an eye on strengthening their squad significantly. Manager Hansi Flick is particularly focused on enhancing the defensive line and has identified Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni as a primary target. In addition to solidifying their defense, the Catalan club is also considering a move for Manchester United's Marcus Rashford following his recent change of stance regarding a potential transfer.

At present, Barcelona is performing well in La Liga, sitting in second place and in striking distance of Real Madrid for the top rank, especially with an upcoming match against Girona. The team has been successful in securing a place in the last 16 of the Champions League, achieving three consecutive victories. However, their recent 4-0 loss to Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final has illuminated areas for improvement within the squad, notably in defense where Hansi Flick believes a world-class central defender like Bastoni could make a significant impact.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Barcelona's strategic decisions will be crucial for their ambitions in both domestic leagues and European competitions. The interest in high-profile players like Rashford and Bastoni underscores the club’s intention to stay competitive at the highest levels and address the vulnerabilities exposed in recent matches. This transfer strategy reflects the pressures of modern football where clubs must continually evolve to maintain their status in the sport's elite circles.