Liverpool are reportedly prioritizing the signing of Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni, according to the Spanish newspaper Transfers.
After rising through Atalanta’s youth system, the 26-year-old signed for the Nerazzurri in 2017. He stayed at La Dea for another year before moving to the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium.
Inter then decided to loan the defender to Parma so that he could play regularly and continue his development. Now Bastoni has established himself as an undisputed starter for the Nerazzurri, winning two Serie A titles and several major domestic cup competitions.
The Italian is considered one of the best defenders in Serie A and was a key player in the Italian national team, where he won the European Championship in 2021.
Transfers say Liverpool are ‘determined’ to sign a new centre-back in the coming winter window following Giovanni Leoni’s season-ending knee injury.
They wanted Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, but securing that deal looks complicated at the moment. Arne Slot’s side has therefore identified Bastoni as the ‘priority target’.
Bastoni to Liverpool
The Merseyside club are even prepared to launch a formal £88million proposal to lure him to Anfield next year, with the Italy international’s existing deal running until 2028.
After Leoni’s injury, Liverpool have Ibrahima Konate, Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez as their only options at centre-back. However, the Frenchman’s long-term future is not assured at the moment at Anfield as his current contract expires at the end of this season.
Just like the deal between Trent Alexander and Arnold, Real Madrid is lurking to sign the Frenchman as a free agent next year. On the other hand, Van Dijk has had mixed performances so far this season.
Signing a new defender is therefore an absolute must for Liverpool. Bastoni, 6ft tall, is a left-footed centre-back and is currently at the peak of his career.
He is extremely comfortable in possession, has an eye for long-range passing, is good in the air, reads the game well, is efficient in defensive contributions and also tends to contribute to some important goals.
Therefore, the Inter star would be a big step forward for Liverpool if they ultimately manage to secure his service in the upcoming winter transfer window.
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