The summer transfer window is firmly on the horizon, but despite the Premier League campaign not finishing yet, a transfer opportunity may have emerged for Liverpool
Arne Slot manager / head coach of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on May 3, 2026 in Manchester, United Kingdom
Liverpool will look to strengthen in the summer(Image: Getty Images)
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Liverpool may have a clear run to sign Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni, should they choose to make a move for the star. The Italian international recently celebrated winning his third Serie A title.
Despite his success, he has also been linked with a move to Barcelona at the end of the campaign. Arne Slot's side have also been mentioned as an interested party, but challenging the Catalans for his signature would be difficult.
However, reports from Spain are suggesting Hansi Flick's side are cooling their interest in the left-footed central defender. If this is the case, Liverpool may have a free run at trying to sign him.
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Bastoni may not quite fit the profile Flick is looking for. It claims the German boss is after a left-footed central defender, which the Italian is.
However, he is also after a player who has strong recovery speed, with the Catalans deploying a terrifying high line. In January, Bastoni was reportedly contacted by the club.
It was also understood he was more than interested about the prospect of playing at the Camp Nou. However, if Flick has moved the goal posts, as has been claimed, his chances of a move to the Blaugrana will be slim.
Alessandro Bastoni of Fc Internazionale during warm up before the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza on May 3, 2026 in Milan, Italy
Bastoni has been linked with Liverpool(Image: 2026 DeFodi Images)
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However, he may just be the player Slot is looking for. Liverpool lack left-footed central defenders and, according to Football Insider, Bastoni has been eyed as a potential transfer option.
In addition, recent central defensive acquisitions Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet will go into next season having come off the back of significant, season ending injuries. The two young central defenders are also ones for the future while Bastoni, at 27 years old, is ready-made to make an immediate impact.
Inter could be difficult negotiators, should the Reds make a move. Piero Ausilio, Inter's sporting director, recently said: "We haven't received any offers for Bastoni. He's a valuable player for Inter and for Italy, a strong player, an incredible footballer, and we want him to stay."
Alexander Isak of Liverpool FC battles for the ball with Federico Dimarco of FC Internazionale Milano and Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale Milano during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 9, 2025 in Milano, Italy
Bastoni featured against Liverpool when the two clubs met in the Champions League(Image: 2025 BSR Agency)
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Bastoni has 43 international caps for his country and has won Serie A under Antonio Conte, Simone Inzaghi and, most recently, Cristian Chivu.
Meanwhile, it's understood Ibrahima Konate is close to agreeing a new contract at Liverpool. Konate had been rumoured to be a transfer target for Real Madrid, who were said to be looking to capitalise on his deal expiring this summer by signing him as a free transfer.
This no longer appears to be the case and the French international is expected to remain at Anfield.
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