Levi Colwill’s Position Could Be Under Threat If Chelsea Push Ahead With £70M Transfer Raid
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Chelsea “retain an interest” in Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, according to reports.
TEAMtalk claim that the Blues, Liverpool and Barcelona remain keen on signing the 27-year-old, having pursued the player during the summer transfer window.
At the time, Bastoni was favouring a switch to the Camp Nou, although the La Liga giants were ultimately unable to come up with the funds required to match his reported £70m asking price.
While the Italian international is still open to joining Barca, TEAMtalk claim that intermediaries have made it clear to both Chelsea and Liverpool that he has not shut the door on a move to the Premier League, leaving the way clear for bids to be submitted in the New Year.
Why do Chelsea want Bastoni?
Xabi Alonso plays with a back three, which is a system that the Inter star specialises in, having played in the same formation for both club and country over several years.
With the Blues struggling defensively despite the addition of Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace, there is an expectation that Alonso will delve back into the market for further reinforcements at the back in January.
Bastoni has won multiple Serie A titles and has been capped 43 times by his country, so his experience would be hugely valuable.
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Bastoni’s arrival would cast doubt over Colwill’s future
The Italian has almost exclusively played as a left-sided centre-half for Inter, which does suggest he would be in direct competition with Levi Colwill for starting opportunities.
It is fair to say that the Englishman hasn’t had the best of starts to the season, and there are now doubts over whether he will sign a new contract.
Colwill is, though, one of the most talented young defenders in England, so if Bastoni was signed, Alonso may consider shifting Colwill centrally, although that would then raise questions about Lacroix’s position in the team.