Liverpool will need to hurry if they are to secure the signing of Alessandro Bastoni in the summer, after transfer talks with Barcelona are now ongoing. However, TEAMtalk reports that Inter Milan have their own plans for the Italian colossus, amid claims of a swap deal.
The mood in Italian football is miserable these days after they for the third time in a row are not allowed to play in the World Cup. – Several stars, who play in Serie A should want out. – It is also a “sign” that no Italian teams are still in the Champions League. Inter Milan was sent out of the tournament by Bodø/Glimt.
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Alessandro Bastoni, 26, is considered one of the world’s best centre-backs, and as he enters his prime, he is seen as one of the mainstays of Inter Milan. At 191 centimetres, equipped with speed, strong tackling skills, good leadership, header strength and passing range, the 42-time international veteran Italian defender has admirers all over the world.
With his contract at the San Siro expiring in the summer of 2028, Inter Milan are entering a critical phase for his future, hoping to tie their valuable player to a new deal.
That’s because clubs like Liverpool – who are looking around the world for a long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk – and Barcelona – who have long admired the centre-back – have both been heavily linked with transfers ahead of the summer transfer window.
However, after reports in the Spanish media this week claimed that Barcelona were prepared to offer Inter a swap deal involving either Ferran Torres and/or Dani Olmo to sign Bastoni, Romano has now made a revealing update that will make Liverpool’s ears prick up.
Romano confirmed that negotiations are ongoing between Bastoni and Barcelona, telling his YouTube channel: “For Barcelona, there is no doubt about the quality of Alessandro Bastoni as a player, after what he has shown with Inter Milan in recent years.”
“Barcelona will definitely want Bastoni. Barcelona are certainly in contact with Bastoni’s camp. Exchanges about contracts and salaries have already started.”
“But Barcelona don’t know at this stage how much Inter are going to ask for Alessandro Bastoni in the summer. A club-to-club negotiation has not started yet.”
However, as TEAMtalk sources explained last month, any deal for Bastoni this summer will prove difficult to negotiate, as the Italian giants have strong plans of their own for the defender.
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Inter make plans to tie Bastoni to new deal
As it stands, Barcelona will find it difficult to secure his signing and present a package that will convince Inter to sell.
Inter Milan believe Alessandro Bastoni has been tipped €80 million, a sum Transfermarkt almost completely agrees with. A fee that would not only test Liverpool’s finances, but also appears to be out of Barcelona’s reach – even if they do offer a couple of players as part of a swap deal.
Furthermore, sources to our transfer correspondent, Graeme Bailey, revealed on March 20 that the Italian giants are becoming “increasingly confident” that they will retain the defender’s services even after the summer.
To that end, sources reveal that the Serie A leaders are planning to offer the elegant centre-back a huge contract extension as a sure sign of their commitment to him – in a move that could make him one of the highest-paid players in Serie A of all time.
Furthermore, TEAMtalk understands that the Serie A giants “have no intention” of parting ways with the highly-rated defender.
Inter’s proposal would mean that his contract would be extended for at least another two years, tying the Italy international to the club until 2030. Early indications suggest that there is a mutual will to reach an agreement, as Bastoni is happy at the San Siro and appreciates the club’s ambitions.
Last year, speaking on Italian television, the defender outlined his joy at staying at the San Siro.
“Rumors about my future? These things make me proud; That means I’m doing well, but I read the newspapers just like you,” he said.
“Nothing happens. I’m happy here and I don’t have any problems. I don’t think about things off the pitch.”
“Am I going to stay at Inter? Probably yes.”
Liverpool get the go-ahead to sign RB Leipzig star – Manchester United offered Barcelona star
In other news, Liverpool have been told that an RB Leipzig centre-back will be available for less than the €80 million buyout clause this summer – news that looks set to prompt the Reds to make a move.
Elsewhere, a deal Liverpool recently struck with “one of the best in the world” has been praised by former Liverpool player Brad Friedel, although the American has expressed sensational concerns about another star at Anfield.
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