Arsenal and Manchester United will reportedly compete with Barcelona and Real Madrid in the race to sign 26-year-old Italian international Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan.
According to an update by Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur, Arsenal and Manchester United are interested in Alessandro Bastoni. Barcelona and Real Madrid are keen on signing the 26-year-old Inter Milan defensive powerhouse. However, the player is unwilling to part ways with the Serie A giants, and he has also rejected Saudi Pro League clubs Al-Hilal and Al-Qadsiyah.
How has Alessandro Bastoni become a household name?
Alessandro Bastoni has established himself as one of the world’s best defenders since joining Inter Milan from Atalanta in August 2017. The 26-year-old took some time to establish a foothold in the first-team squad at San Siro, but he has not looked back since enjoying his breakthrough in the 2019/20 season.
The Italian international has made over 250 appearances for Inter Milan thus far while chipping in with seven goals and 28 assists. Meanwhile, Bastoni’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs. Arsenal, Manchester United, Barcelona, and Real Madrid are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.
A man in demand
Arsenal’s interest in the Inter Milan mainstay is surprising. Mikel Arteta has a stacked defensive unit, and the Arsenal manager has seven centre-back options in his squad. So, even if Piero Hincapie does not complete a permanent move to the Emirates, the Gunners do not need a centre-back. As for Manchester United, Luke Shaw has resurrected his fortunes as a centre-back this season.
However, Lisandro Martinez has struggled with a few fitness issues during his spell with Manchester United. So, Alessandro Bastoni is an option worth considering. Meanwhile, the Inter Milan defender has been on Barcelona’s radar for a long time. The continued interest makes sense, as Andreas Christensen faces an uncertain future at Spotify Camp Nou.
Additionally, Inigo Martinez has left a gaping hole since leaving Barcelona this past summer. As for Real Madrid, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are on the wrong side of 30, compelling Los Blancos to dip into the market for a centre-back. Bastoni is thus a viable target for Real Madrid.
However, a deal will not materialise next year, as Bastoni is happy and content at Inter Milan. The 26-year-old Italian international has recently rejected Al-Hilal and Al-Qadsiyah, and the European bigwigs must also look elsewhere for a centre-back reinforcement.
