Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur could go head-to-head for the signature of highly-rated Inter centre-back Alessandro Bastoni this summer. According to FCInter1908, the Premier League heavyweights have identified the prodigious 23-year-old as the perfect solution for their defensive woes.
Despite his tender age, Bastoni is already an established Serie A star. He played a pivotal role in Inter’s triumphant league campaign under Antonio Conte in 2020/21 and has carried his eye-catching form into this season. But unlike last year, the Nerazzurri may fall short of bitter rivals Milan in the title race.
That should not have a decisive impact on Bastoni’s future. But a couple of lucrative offers from the Premier League could make him contemplate his future.
Manchester City emerged as the Italian’s potential suitors even before Man United and Tottenham joined the fray. Pep Guardiola is said to be an admirer of Bastoni, though his star-studded backline could effectively slam the door shut for the Inter prodigy’s arrival.
City’s withdrawal from the race would leave the other two English powerhouses battling it out for Bastoni’s services.
Spurs’ interest in the in-demand Inter star comes as no surprise. Antonio Conte, who’s currently in charge of Tottenham, established Bastoni as a household Serie A defender.
The Italian tactician is in the market for a new centre-back to bolster his options at the back, especially with Tottenham on the cusp of returning to the Champions League after a season-long absence.
In the meantime, Man United will undergo massive changes in the summer, following a lacklustre season. Erik ten Hag will soon replace interim manager Ralf Rangnick on the touchline, and he is expected to ring the changes over the summer.
One of Ten Hag’s priorities will be to strengthen a fragile backline. One between Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane could pay the price for the club’s worst points tally in the Premier League since 2013/14. Ajax’s Jurrien Timber and Pau Torres of Villarreal are also on the Dutchman’s shortlist.
However, Bastoni would be a dream signing for United. Unfortunately, Inter could be powerless to stop their first-team stalwart leave Giuseppe Meazza. The club’s financial turmoil may force them to sell some of their top stars, as happened with Romelu Lukaku last summer.