Chelsea could turn to Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni in their search for a new central defender.
Chelsea’s desire to add another centre-back to their squad was well-documented in January as they targeted Liverpool-bound Jeremy Jacquet.
After missing out on Jacquet, they recalled Mamadou Sarr, who has impressed since returning from Strasbourg. Nevertheless, the Blues could still strengthen their central defence in the summer.
The Marc Guehi ship has sailed… Any experienced alternatives that come to mind ahead of this summer?
Antonio Rudiger? Ibrahima Konate? Marcos Senesi? 👀
Marc Guehi of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Alessandro Bastoni ticks every box
According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea are monitoring Bastoni but are being more cautious than some of the other clubs who are interested in the defender.
It is thought that Inter could easily end up demanding €100m (£87.3m) for Bastoni. It is a lot of money, especially for a centre-back, but the Italian ticks every box.
First of all, Chelsea need an experienced centre-half. Bastoni is 26 years of age, has made nearly 300 appearances for Inter and has won just over 40 caps for Italy.
In terms of his footballing ability, Bastoni is a capable tackler, making 1.8 tackles per game in Serie A this season. It is the highest average in Inter’s squad (minimum of five games played), according to WhoScored.
Alessandro Bastoni of Inter (C) seen in action
Photo by Grzegorz Wajda/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
On the ball, the Italy international is also quite gifted. He has a great passing range, completing 4.90 long balls per 90 minutes, as per FotMob.
All in all, you can quite easily say that Bastoni is the definition of a modern-day central defender. The former Atalanta man can play with the ball at his feet but has not forgotten how to defend.
What’s your centre-back pairing if Chelsea actually manage to pull off signing Alessandro Bastoni?
Chelsea monitoring Alessandro Bastoni
Photo by Grzegorz Wajda/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Like most Italian defenders, Bastoni knows how to do the basics and is not too much of a risk because of his education in Italy.
His price tag means he would not be a completely risk-free signing, but Chelsea really do not need to be too cautious about a defender of this calibre.
Chelsea have been linked with Bastoni before, but a deal has never materialised. However, now may be the time for the club to finally pay up to sign the Inter star.
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