Inter center-back Alessandro Bastoni has reportedly earned high acclaim from Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. Despite boasting a wealth of top-class defenders, the Spanish manager has his eyes laid on the Italian defender, reports Sports Illustrated.
Bastoni has enjoyed a rise to stardom at the Giuseppe Meazza, becoming one of the most highly-rated central defenders in Europe, let alone Serie A. After playing a significant role in Antonio Conte’s triumphant 2020/21 season, the 23-year-old has carried his outrageous form into the new campaign.
Alongside Milan Skriniar and Stefan de Vrij, Bastoni has forged an air-tight defense that has conceded a league second-low 25 goals in 32 Serie A matches this season. Defensive contribution aside, the ex-Atalanta youth academy product has been vastly important to the build-up play at Inter over the past couple of seasons.
His technical qualities tick all the boxes for a type of play Guardiola is looking to recruit. But Man City’s interest in the Inter star sounds a bit surprising, given their current center-back options.
Even in the absence of marquee defender Ruben Dias, the Cityzens managed to fend off Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie. Aymeric Laporte and John Stones produced stellar performances at the back to hold Diego Simeone’s team at bay at the Wanda Metropolitano.
In addition to the abovementioned trio, Man City also have Nathan Ake to complement a star-studded defensive department. So the news of the Cityzens’ interest in Bastoni should be taken with a grain of salt, especially as Inter have no intention of selling their permanent first-team fixture.
While Bastoni looks likely to stay, Inter could part with De Vrij at the end of the season. Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly set sights on the Dutchman, who could be available for €20-25m.