Liverpool are reportedly ready to launch a formal proposal to sign Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni, according to a recent report.
The Reds decided to overhaul the frontline last summer and were also prepared to strengthen the central defender position. Crystal Palace chief executive Marc Guehi was their main target and they came very close to securing his services on deadline day.
However, the Eagles ultimately blocked the deal at the last minute. So the Merseyside club only bought Giovanni Leoni after letting Jarell Quansah leave.
But he is still very young and has now been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a serious knee injury. As a result, Arne Slot is left with Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and Virgil Van Dijk as the only CB options.
However, Liverpool are showing poor performances this season, with 27 goals in 18 games in all competitions.
According to a recent report (via Transfers), Liverpool are planning to sign a new centre-back as a potential long-term replacement for Van Dijk, who turns 35 next year, and Bastoni is their main target.
Bastoni to Liverpool
The Reds have already opened talks with the Nerazzurri to sign their key player, but they have no intention of letting him leave for less than £88 million as his existing contract runs until 2028.
Liverpool are willing to match the valuation to get the deal done, and Bastoni is said to be open to a move to Anfield to take Van Dijk’s place.
Bastoni is considered one of the best defenders in Serie A and has established himself as an undisputed starter in the Italian national team.
The 26-year-old, who stands 6ft 4in tall, has guided Inter to two league titles over the years and also helped them reach two Champions League finals.
Bastoni is a left-footed centre-back and Liverpool have no other left-sided defender apart from Van Dijk. So he could be a big step forward for the Anfield club if they were to buy him.
However, it will be interesting to see whether Slot’s team ultimately manages to lure him out of the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in January or next summer.
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