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Liverpool are up against Arsenal with their interest in this defensive powerhouse
Arsenal still have their foot on the gas as they head towards their first Premier League title in more than 20 years. With the trophy firmly in their sights, the Gunners are also considering how their summer transfer window will unfold with the added lure of champions status.
Arsenal are on the market for solid new defensive options at the end of the season and Alessandro Bastoni has emerged on their radar. Mikel Arteta’s side have joined the race to try and prise the centre-back powerhouse from Inter this summer.
According to Calciomercato, Arsenal have joined Liverpool and Barcelona in pursuit of Bastoni, who is under contract in Italy until 2028. The 26-year-old has been with the club since 2017 and is a key part of Inter’s current set-up.
Alessandro Bastoni could take Arsenal defence to next level
On the other hand, Arsenal are looking to make their team as airtight as possible with quality options in all areas, including back-up.
Bastoni is used to being part of a winning team, having earned seven titles with Inter and reached two Champions League finals. The 26-year-old is an impressive defender and has recorded similar statistics to Gabriel Magalhaes so far this season.
According to WhoScored, both defenders have similar averages for interceptions and tackles made per 90 minutes. The two are also quite close when it comes to passing, with Bastoni averaging 87.5 per 90, while Gabriel is slightly ahead with 89.6.
Gabriel is a hugely valued player at Arsenal and has started all Premier League games he has been eligible for this season. He is rated highly by Arteta, who recently praised the Brazilian for his defensive and attacking efforts for the Gunners.
“If you ask me what I want from my centre-back, I want somebody who dominates both boxes and masters that. Gabriel can do that. He defends like a world-class defender, and he attacks like a world-class attacker,” Arteta said, via Hayters.
Like Gabriel, Bastoni has also contributed to goals this season. Adding the Italian to the backline to pair with the Brazilian powerhouse would tighten up Arsenal’s already impressive defence. The Gunners have conceded 18 goals so far and have lost only three games.
TEAMtalk reports that Bastoni could cost in the region of £70 million. He would be a smart signing for Arsenal if they win the Premier League title but Liverpool will be desperate to get their crown back, and they must fend off the desperate Reds if they want to secure a deal.
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