Elite defender set to snub Tottenham as alternative Premier League admirer emerges
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola appreciates Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni, who is less keen on rival suitors Tottenham Hotspur, reports claim.
Bastoni is one of the most promising talents in Italian football. Still only 22 years old, he has been a regular starter for Inter Milan in recent seasons. Last term, he helped them win the Serie A title.
However, Inter spent heavily to get in such a position. Ever since, it has been catching up with them somewhat.
As a consequence, they had to sell a few key players last summer. Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi left, for example, as did head coach Antonio Conte.
Although things have balanced out a bit since, they may still have to make sacrifices if they are to get the targets they want this year.
For example, they are one of the leading suitors for Torino defender Gleison Bremer. But to accommodate him, they may need to clear space.
That could lead to Bastoni being on the market, given that his contract only runs until 2024. They were hoping to extend his deal, but now may consider selling him instead.
Tottenham were recently linked with Bastoni in a move that could reunite him with Conte. However, FCInterNews have since claimed the left-footer does not approve of Tottenham as a destination; he wants to move to one of the European greats if anywhere.
They have also linked him with Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga giants have a more appealing pedigree among the European elite.
Man City to keep tabs on Bastoni?
The same goes for Manchester City, who have now been mentioned in relation to Bastoni by Corriere Dello Sport.
Guardiola is supposedly a major admirer of Bastoni. But there is no indication yet that this could convert into a transfer pursuit immediately. Still, this summer may be the best time to strike, so there could be further developments.
Man City are well-stocked at centre-back; they have Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Nathan Ake. What’s more, Laporte and Ake are both left-footers as well, just like Bastoni.
Therefore, their need for the Italian may not be that immediate. But as a rising talent who already has much experience at senior level, he is definitely a player to keep an eye on.
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