Arsenal and Liverpool want to sign Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni; could face stiff competition from Barcelona and Chelsea.
Alessandro Bastoni is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the world. The Italian international is considered one of the most complete centre-backs, as he has traditional Italian defensive discipline along with the ability to feature as a deep-lying playmaker.
With the 26-year-old set to enter his prime years, multiple top clubs are keeping an eye on him and could try to prise him away from Inter Milan. According to a report from CaughtOffside, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona are all closely monitoring him ahead of a potential transfer.
Since he still has over two years left on his deal, Inter consider him untouchable. However, Italian clubs do not have the best of financial conditions these days, and a massive financial offer will certainly tempt them.
Bastoni joined the Inter setup back in 2017. He then had a couple of impressive loan spells away from the club before establishing himself as a key figure in the team. Over the years, he has only gone from strength to strength and of late, he has been one of the first names on their team sheet.
Thanks to his consistent performances, a number of clubs are now gearing up for an intense transfer battle this summer. Inter are aware of the increasing interest in his services, and they are looking to secure his long-term future with a new deal that will run until 2030.
European giants could battle for Bastoni’s signature
Meanwhile, Arsenal and Liverpool are exploring a move for the 26-year-old. The Gunners want to further bolster their defensive rotation by signing him, as he is a perfect fit for Mikel Arteta’s system, while the Reds are looking at him as an ideal long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk.
However, they are not the only clubs that are interested in him. Chelsea and Barcelona have also been keeping tabs on him. The Catalan giant see him as a defensive leader, and he is certainly a natural fit for their possession-heavy philosophy.
Meanwhile, he could lead a young defensive core at Stamford Bridge. While the London club are monitoring him, they are very cautious about it. As far as Inter are concerned, they are reluctant to sell, but could consider offers between €90-100 million or anything above that.
