Manchester United are reportedly lining up a huge bid for Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni ahead of the summer transfer window.
United are plotting to secure defensive reinforcements and are believed to have a number of targets on their wishlist.
This season, multiple defenders on the club’s payroll have missed games due to physical setbacks. In fact, Diogo Dalot is the only defender not to have failed to feature in any single match due to an injury.
At the moment, Harry Maguire is the only senior centre-back who is fit and available to Erik ten Hag for selection. The England international was forced to partner Casemiro at the heart of the Red Devils’ backline during the win on penalties against Coventry City over the weekend.
Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane are both set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season when their respective deals expire. It has also been suggested that United would be open to parting ways with Maguire and Victor Lindelof if they were to receive enticing offers for them. Amidst all this, it makes sense why the club bosses are exploring options.
Already, the 20-time English champions have been linked to the likes of Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen), Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Jean-Clair Todibo (OGC Nice), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Antonio Silva (Benfica), Max Kilman (Wolves), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting Lisbon) and Jhon Lucumí (Bologna), just to mention a few names.
According to TV Play via Spanish publication Fichajes, Erik ten Hag’s side also retain an interest in Inter’s Bastoni.
The outlet reports that United are preparing a “super offer” for Bastoni, who is considered the “best central defender in Serie A”.
“Manchester United is looking to strengthen its defensive line and is willing to spend around 60 million euros to secure the hiring of Alessandro Bastoni during the next summer transfer market in 2024.”
“United ‘s focus on Bastoni reflects their strategy of acquiring promising young talent to strengthen their squad.”
Fichajes add, “The offer of approximately €60 million underlines United’s determination under Erik Ten Hag to secure Bastoni’s services, which could be an important move to strengthen their defence and improve their chances in future competitions.”
It’s believed that there are several other top clubs in Europe pursuing Bastoni although they haven’t been named.
This term, Bastoni has been a key part of Inter, who were crowned Serie A champions on Monday evening following their fantastic 2-1 derby win against AC Milan.
The 25-year-old has managed 24 top-flight appearances for the club and has helped them keep 15 clean sheets in the process. With Bastoni on the pitch, Inter have only conceded 13 goals all season.
The Italy international ranks in the 94th and 99th percentile for goals conceded per 90 and clean sheets won respectively. Bastoni also ranks in the 81st and 74th percentile for interceptions and aerial duels won.
One of his strongest attributes is his passing and ability on the ball. Naturally a left-sided centre-back, Bastoni is in the 92nd percentile for pass completion rate and in the 97th percentile for successful passes delivered to his teammates.
The United target typically makes around 68.39 passes per game, boasting an impressive pass completion rate of 90.02%. Additionally, he generates approximately 0.90 key passes per match, resulting in notable scoring opportunities. Bastoni’s xA (Expected Assists) stands at 0.26 per 90 minutes, positioning him among the top 7% of Serie A players in this metric.
It’s evident why he’s regarded as one of Italy’s premier stars and why he would be an excellent addition to the ranks at Old Trafford.
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