Tottenham have been told it will take €45 million to open discussions over a deal for Alessandro Bastoni, with Inter Milan contemplating a sale.
According to Calciomercato, Inter Milan could be willing to open discussions over Alessandro Bastoni if suitors bring at least €45 million to the table. Tottenham are reportedly interested in signing the central defender, as Antonio Conte seeks a reunion with his title-winning centre-back.
There is a tricky situation brewing over at Inter Milan, which could erupt in the summer, as the club will have to reshuffle some of its cards. While the Serie A giants have somewhat manoeuvred through a financial storm from last year, they may yet sell some of their players to balance their books.
One of the key areas dispensable for the club is central defence. Stefan de Vrij, 30, will enter the final year of his contract, and the club may look to sell the Dutchman. However, if de Vrij does not wish to move and play out the last year of his deal, then Inter could be forced to sell one of their other two starters.
Simone Inzaghi would not like losing either Milan Skriniar or Alessandro Bastoni, as he hopes to start next season with those two while bringing in another centre-back in the summer. Inter are keen on signing Gleison Bremer of Torino, with the Brazilian attracting plenty of interest from Premier League sides, particularly Tottenham.
They want the Brazilian on priority and know the need to sell one of their existing centre-backs to facilitate his arrival. That centre-back could well be Bastoni, who continues to attract interest from Tottenham.
Tottenham boss Antonio Conte wants a reunion with his former protege and feels he would be the perfect addition to the Tottenham backline. As the club looks to finish in the top four, their entry into next season’s UEFA Champions League will help in bringing top-class players in the summer.
However, Inter Milan want at least €45 million to take part in discussions with Tottenham or other interested clubs. Earlier reports insisted Spurs were willing to consider a €50 million offer, and the demands from the Serie A giants could certainly be of interest to the north Londoners.
Bastoni could be a great addition at Tottenham, considering the defender is used to playing in a back three preferred by Conte at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The price tag, for such a young centre-back, could be seen as a solid investment, similar to when they showed faith in Cristian Romero.