Chelsea and Tottenham could battle it out for Alessandro Bastoni in the summer, with the defender’s future entering a critical stage.
According to Fichajes, Chelsea are ready to rival Tottenham in pursuing Alessandro Bastoni. The €55 million-rated Italian defender is entering a critical stage with his contract at Inter. And the Serie A outfit could be forced to sell him if they cannot manage an extension.
Alessandro Bastoni has been one of Inter Milan’s critical players over the last few years. The 23-year-old Italian defender’s rise coincided with the club’s success. Ao losing him now will be a big blow for the Nerazzurri.
His age and the prospect of playing at the club for many more years had been at the forefront of their board. However, Inter Milan find themselves in a desperate position to decide his future. Playing football in England with one of the big clubs may have crossed Bastoni’s mind.
As he enters the final year of his contract, Bastoni can choose to leave and join one of the interested clubs from the Premier League. Inter Milan will have to make way and sell him for a reasonable sum despite his €55 million market value.
The Italian defender has a host of English clubs chasing his signature, including Manchester City and Tottenham. The two clubs need defensive reinforcements to improve their first-team squad, and there is space for a left-footed centre-back.
For Bastoni’s style and development at Inter in a back three, Tottenham may suit his cause more than Manchester City. Antonio Conte wanted a reunion with the 23-year-old when he was in charge. And the club considered the Italian defender as a primary target.
Tottenham can sign him if they qualify for the Champions League. He will have offers from teams in the competition. But if London remains the criteria for moving to England, the options are few. Chelsea are also monitoring his situation and could battle it out with Spurs.
Chelsea may not consider Bastoni as their priority target but more as a contingent option. Josko Gvardiol remains their primary objective, but they face plenty of competition from top clubs playing in the Champions League. Unlike Spurs, who still have a chance to finish fourth, Chelsea are practically out of that race.
However, with their financial muscle and the presence of some top-level players, Chelsea will feel optimistic about signing anyone. Bastoni will prove a good option, but his path into the first team will not be straightforward, considering the presence of Benoit Badiashile.
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Chelsea and Tottenham will try their best but could lose out to Manchester City if Pep Guardiola decides to want Bastoni next summer. For now, the race remains open, including Inter Milan’s chance to extend his contract.
