Manchester City and Manchester United are ready to go head-to-head for the signature of underperforming Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni. As reported by Gazzetta dello Sport, the Manchester clubs have identified the young center-back as a viable transfer target for next summer.
Despite a sensational start to their Premier League title defense, Man City chiefs are already mapping out the Citizens’ next moves in the transfer market. It’s no secret that Pep Guardiola holds fond feelings for Bastoni, whom he tried to lure to England in the summer. But after signing Erling Haaland and Kalvin Phillips, the Spaniard postponed his pursuit of the Italian.
Inspired by the free-scoring Haaland, Man City have netted more goals than any other Premier League side this term (23). No wonder they welcome September’s international break as one of just two unbeaten top-flight teams in England. But Guardiola wants to solidify his backline in the upcoming transfer windows, with Bastoni emerging as his favorite target.
However, Man City may have to beat cross-town rivals to his signature. Man Utd manage Erik ten Hag is another big-time admirer of the Inter star as he aims to fork out massive figures to take the 23-year-old away from Serie A. Valued at around £50m, Bastoni carries a reputation as one of the hottest defensive prospects in Europe, let alone in Italy.
It’s, therefore, a bit odd that he’s lost a starting berth at Inter early in the season. Bastoni’s sub-par start to the new Serie A campaign has cast doubt on his long-term future at Giuseppe Meazza. Yet with his competitors for a place in Simone Inzaghi’s starting XI also blowing hot and cold, he may soon re-establish himself as a regular first-team fixture.
Inter had no intention of cutting him loose in the summer. But the club’s financial turmoil may press the issue in the future.