Chelsea are keeping tabs on Milan Skriniar and Alessandro Bastoni as potential defensive reinforcements, suggested by Romelu Lukaku.
According to Sport Mediaset, Chelsea are in the market for new defenders, with Thomas Tuchel keen on adding more quality to the side. They are particularly looking at two Inter Milan players in Milan Skriniar and Alessandro Bastoni, both being recommended by new signing Romelu Lukaku.
The former Manchester United striker had spent two seasons at Inter with the two central defenders, notably winning the Scudetto last season. It is apparent they are highly rated, not just like Lukaku, but by most European clubs, though the report does suggest that it would be difficult to snap them up from Inter.
The Nerazzurri have already lost two-star players in the summer and will be keen on avoiding further blows in the market. Bastoni and Skriniar, in particular, are vital cogs in the club’s defensive unit and a major part of one of Europe’s strongest defensive units consisting of them and Stefan de Vrij.
However, it is fair to point out that many clubs have already sought out the possibility of signing Skriniar. The experienced defender was even linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer, but a move did not materialise. One would expect the centre-back to join Chelsea, who are much stronger and can offer sporting success.
Bastoni, meanwhile, is widely regarded as one of the brightest defensive talents in Europe. He is considered as a long-term replacement for the defensive figurehead of Giorgio Chiellini. With almost 100 appearances in Serie A, the 22-year-old already has a lot of experience at the highest level of football.
Both of them, therefore, could be exciting additions to the Chelsea side that missed out on their pursuit of top target Jules Kounde late in the transfer window. The Blues still have enough depth to manage another season, but may soon have to move on with Thiago Silva set to be out of contract at Stamford Bridge at the end of the season while Cesar Azpilicueta isn’t getting any younger either.
It paves the way for either Bastoni or Skriniar to become a vital cog to Tuchel’s defensive unit, although the former could be a much more sensible investment due to his age and potential. But at the same time, he is likely to cost a fortune, having enjoyed immense success during his time at Inter Milan so far, including a Serie A title.
