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Liverpool Want to Sign Inter Star Alessandro Bastoni
Liverpool may just have found their Marc Guehi replacement in Alessandro Bastoni, according to reports – with the Reds eyeing up the Inter Milan star as an alternative to Guehi.
The Reds have suffered defensive woes at the back this season, with Geovanni Leoni being ruled out for the campaign and Ibrahima Konate being out of form. It means Virgil van Dijk has largely had to command the back line himself, and a centre-back is needed if the Reds are to return to ruling the roost in English football.
However, it won’t be Guehi in their ranks – with reports instead suggesting that the Anfield hierarchy have decided upon Bastoni as their next option to bring to the red half of Merseyside.
Report: Liverpool Now Eyeing Alessandro Bastoni as Marc Guehi Alternative
The report by TEAMtalk states that whilst Liverpool were never going to go back in for Marc Guehi, they have already identified two ‘top-class’ alternatives to the England international – with Bastoni being one of them.
Liverpool agreed a £35million deal with Crystal Palace for Guehi’s signature on transfer deadline day, simultaneously to the £125million move that saw Alexander Isak join from Newcastle United. However, with Palace failing to secure a replacement, the Eagles pulled the plug on the deal and Guehi remained at Selhurst Park.
Guehi will now move up to the north-west, albeit with Manchester City, working alongside Pep Guardiola as the Cityzens aim to reclaim the Premier League title. It’s seen some Liverpool fans become unhappy with the decision by FSG to turn down a ‘cut-price’ fee for the Palace skipper.
However, he’s on a reported £300,000-a-week at the Etihad Stadium and that has seen Liverpool turn their attention to Bastoni. The Italy international has been labelled as one of the world’s best defenders, who would elevate their backline alongside Virgil van Dijk.
The San Siro star is thought to be ‘very much open’ to a move this year, though a move may not be straightforward. The 41-time cap would command a fee in the region of £69.5million, after he became a key part of two Serie A winning outfits and two Champions League final outfits.
Others have taken an interest in Bastoni but with Liverpool’s problems running deep at the back, they could prioritise a move to edge ahead of the queue.
Bastoni Would be an Exceptional Addition Under Arne Slot at Liverpool
Bastoni has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the world, after his multiple trophies at Inter, and winning the 2020 Euros with Italy.
Having claimed two Serie A titles, two Coppa Italia medals, three consecutive Supercoppa wins and three European finals, he’s evidently a player who has gone far in the game – even making the Champions League Team of the Season twice.
Over 225 Serie A appearances at the age of just 26 means he’s proven his worth, and the former Atalanta star could get his huge move to the Premier League shortly in what would be a huge upgrade for Arne Slot’s side.
