Real Madrid are reportedly eyeing 22-year-old Italian international Alessandro Bastoni as a potential replacement for Raphael Varane.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Real Madrid seem to have kicked into action to replace Raphael Varane in the summer transfer window. To that end, the Spanish giants have set their sights on 22-year-old Italian international Alessandro Bastoni, who could be sold by Inter Milan.
Alessandro Bastoni has come a long way since joining Inter Milan from Atalanta in the summer of 2017. The youngster was initially sent out on a couple of season-long loan spells before he enjoyed his breakthrough campaign in 2019/20. And over the last two seasons, he has established himself as a key component in the Nerazzurri’s first-team setup.
One of the most improved players in Serie A in this period, Bastoni has amassed 74 appearances for Inter Milan, chipping in with two goals and five assists. At the same time, the 22-year-old has also broken into the Italian national side on the back of having played a pivotal role in Inter’s Serie A triumph last term. And his exploits have alerted one of the biggest clubs in the world, with Real Madrid showing an interest.
Real Madrid are in a precarious situation at the moment, having barely spent any money in the last two summer transfer windows on new signings. Even this year’s marquee arrival so far, David Alaba, joined on a Bosman move and amid financial issues borne out of mounting refurbishment costs of the Santiago Bernabeu coinciding with the advent of the coronavirus pandemic, Los Blancos have had to be frugal.
However, at the same time, Real Madrid need to take stock of the status of their squad and build a formidable unit to challenge on all fronts next term. And defence is one department that has to be bolstered in the wake of Raphael Varane’s impending move to Manchester United.
Indeed while Alaba could replace Ramos at the heart of the Real Madrid defence, Varane’s exit will leave Carlo Ancelotti with Eder Militao and Nacho as the only other viable options at his disposal. Therefore, it is imperative that Real Madrid sign a centre-back who fits within their budget, seeing as they still need to reinforce other departments as well.
To that end, they have set their sights on Bastoni, although the Italian international might not come cheap. Jules Kounde was reportedly viewed as an option as well, but the Frenchman is closing in on a move to Chelsea. With their options narrowing, Bastoni could well be the go-to man for Real Madrid.
At a time when Inter Milan also need to be bailed out on the monetary front, Bastoni could well be the player on the verge of being offloaded, thereby giving Real Madrid an opportunity to snap him up for a relatively cost-effective sum. Having said that, it remains to be seen if a move for the 22-year-old sees the light of the day.
