Manchester City have reportedly set their sights on Alessandro Bastoni as Pep Guardiola once again eyes central defensive reinforcements.
According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Alessandro Bastoni has become a top target for Manchester City. The Premier League giants are once again looking to shore up their defensive options at the end of the season in order to further strengthen their depth. And it appears Pep Guardiola has set his sights firmly on the Inter Milan defender.
Bastoni has established himself as a vital cog in the Inter Milan backline over the past couple of years. The Italian international has been an ever-present figure on the left-hand side of the back three, making an impression with his ability to carry the ball forward and make darting forward passes.
The 23-year-old is quite speedy for a centre-back as well and has the athleticism of a top draw defender. It is coupled with the technical brilliance that makes Bastoni one of the most gifted up and coming defenders in world football.
Bastoni’s contributions at the back alongside Milan Skriniar and Stefan de Vrij have been vital in helping Inter lift the Serie A title last season. He will likely play an even more important role for Inter in the final matchday when the Nerazzurri have a slim opportunity to snatch the Scudetto from the hands of their arch-rivals AC Milan.
But after a couple of successful seasons at Inter Milan, Bastoni could be looking for a new challenge away from Serie A this summer. The 23-year-old has no shortage of suitors, having become a transfer topic at various top clubs across Europe including Tottenham Hotspur. Manchester City are the latest club to join the race to sign him.
It appears Guardiola has identified the Italian international as an ideal man to compete with the defensive trifecta of Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Ruben Dias next season. Bastoni arguably has a higher ceiling than Stones and Laporte and could potentially become the desired defensive partner for Dias in the years to come at Manchester City.
However, Antonio Conte is set to play a vital role in the pursuit of Bastoni. The Italian has an excellent relationship with Conte, who reportedly wants a reunion with the central defender in north London next season. It could lend Tottenham the upper hand in this chase, with the Lilywhites even willing to guarantee the defender regular game-time. But Manchester City might be too attractive to turn down.